Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter

I’m slipping, saying too much; in a night this deep and strange the boundaries start to blur.

Wow. Would you look at that, here's me, finally back with more reviews, for arcs of books that already came out. Oops.

I love Weird Books.

I love books with worlds so unique that they stick in your brain, with villains so confusing that you squint and wonder, and plots so odd that you’re thinking about them for days after finishing.

This, this here is one of those books. I was super excited to review it before it came out, get the Excitement all ready, but alas, it already came out five days ago. You all should still be excited. It’s an exciting book. Now you don’t have to wait for it to come out and you can go buy it right away, amiright?

But first, I should warn you before you read it. You’ll need a fully stocked Vassa In the Night survival kit.

Genre: Magical Realism

Feelings: ??

Cuteness: There's romance, but it wasn't stand out to me
Fast pacing: Slow paced.
Series: Porter has said it's not, but could potentially change
Read if you like: Weirdness. A lot of bizarre things.
Content: Some unpleasant things along the lines of violence.
 In summary... Vassa has been sent to BY's for lightbults, the walking store, but instead of the in and out trip she plans on, she ends up trapped for three nights in the little store, which doesn't intend on making her life any easier.
Thoughts: Creaking floors..
Trigger Warning: Really it's just the icky bloody things.
Messages: Hope. What will we do with the power we obtain?

Rating: 4/5 maybe 3.5 because while I loved it, I'm still SO CONFUSED.

The Vassa in the Night Survival Kit:

A Warm Hat

Keep cozy while reading this book. At first glance it seems a bit odd. Immediately after reading the first page you’ll notice that. Talking wooden dolls tend to make it pretty clear that this isn’t a normal book you’re about to read. It’s going to move slowly. Not going to lie, I was pretty bored at first. Intrigued, but a bit bored. Give it time. Vassa will lead you right into danger and darkness, you’ll just have to move slowly at first. Keep warm. It’s about to get dark and cold very soon.

A flashlight

This book has a lot of shadowed corners. Magical realism is one of my absolute favorite genres, and this one was done so well. It was perfectly normal for shopkeepers to behead shoplifters. And for stores to walk? Hands moving around (nothing else--just hands) are perfectly normal. There’s plenty to look at here, so make sure you bring a flashlight to keep safe. It’ll get dark. Quickly. The story world is plenty normal. Brooklyn. Teens partying, going about their lives. But there’s also mysterious motorcycles, magic hidden around corners that will take careful eyes and a bit of light to find. There’s nasty fey deals, fences with heads on spikes...surrounding a shopping story dancing around on two giant chicken legs. Nothing normal about this book, so for god's sake...bring. A. Flashlight.

Snacks to share

You’ll meet some great people in this book. Vassa has ended up being one of my favorite characters in YA. I loved her wondering at the oddities in the store, not taking too much time to panic. I loved how she put up with Erg (The smol angsty wooden doll), how she was selfless, and brave, a bit salty and snarky, but in the end a realistic and caring character. Erg, she’s a dear. A spicy little talking wooden doll, but a loving lil thing. Also. So. Very. Hungry. So bring plenty of snacks to share with the people you’ll meet, because there will be plenty.

A Compass

I’m preparing you now, there’s a chance you’ll get lost in this book. It’s a weird one. A complete and utterly weird one. The ending is almost unresolved, rugs being yanked from under you, spontaneous twists and turns, and a lot of close encounters. There’s a lot of hope, as well. Underneath the ,layers of what the actual hell and I’m so very confused, there’s themes of how far we'll go, of how much power we have and what will we do with it? It’s a coming of age story, but filled with disembodied heads, hands, monsters and the Night. You’ll be lost by the time you reach the last page, either loving it or hating it. Either way you’ll need a compass to find your way out again.

At the end of the day, this was one bizarre book. This is for people who like dark, weird fairy tales, magical realism, characters and settings that barely make sense. This is for lovers of strangeities. And this is definitely for people who are prepared.

Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Presenting, the fabulous co-written review of Reign of Shadows, done with my bookish-soulsister and eternal Kazlingsppey

I was quite excited for this book. And I had quite a fun time reading it with Linnea. So, we decided to write a review together. Down below are my stats then her review. If you go to her blog, you can see her stats and stuff and then my review. Fun, right? Go visit her at R E A C H

Genre:  Fantasy

Feelings: Naw

Cuteness: KISSING

Fast pacing: Not quite, but it was small enough that I didn’t notice

Series: Evidently yes

Read if you like: Rapunzel retellings. Creepy bats that may or may not eat people

Content: Some aggressive kissy action. A bit of violence? Nothing graphic enough for me to remember.

Trigger warning? Nothing I can recall 

In summary...She’s stuck in a tower. He’s grumpy. They get stuck in the woods. Things happen. It’s intense.

Thoughts: Pine needles.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

And here's Linnea's review. Check out her blog to see mine! 

This book is quite the wild ride. There are bats that are large, but supposedly do not eat humans. There are Dwellers. There are super-hot men. There’s a completely bad ass female lead that is somehow not annoying to me, the Biggest Critiquer of Female Leads.

In short, this book kind of rocked. While I couldn’t quite take the entire thing in one sitting, it went down easy and then kind of left me with a hangover. I wasn’t expecting a cliffhanger ending and then all of a sudden–I got one.

Which was unsettling, considering I was hoping for a standalone, but useful, because a mere two-hundred and ninety-two pages wasn’t long enough for me to appreciate the full scope of these characters.

Fowler is Tall, Dark-humored, and Handsome. What’s not to like?

This book seemed a bit like that friend that, at 3 AM, is at their most delighted with the world, and will do just about anything they please. It’s fun to watch, participate in in small amounts, and also put to sleep  before too long…and then repeat the whole endeavor the next night.

Which is to say: I am so glad I read this book with a friend, and I can’t wait to do it with the sequel.

The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine

“The girls were wild for dancing, and nothing else. No hearts beat underneath those thin, bright dresses. They laughed like glass.

No, I'm not crying, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Emma, over at Of Starry Knights and Lullabies, and Bookishly Minded, got me obsessed with the 1920's. So when 2013 ended, we both went on this mega hunt to track down 1920's books. When I saw this one on goodreads and read the synopsis, I almost fainted. A 1920's....retelling of the twelve dancing princesses?? It sounded like something I would write. 

Guys. This book is so good. I did a readalong with Linnea, so it lasted quite a long time, and also meant I could really read slow and soak up all the words. And, this is the first book I've ever underlined. So that's special.

I am struggling so much to keep cool and refrain from the caps lock button and exclamation point key. I just loved it so much. Basically, it just passed up Breakfast Served Anytime at the top of my [favorite book] list. 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stats:

Genre: Historical fiction retelling

Feelings: -rocks back and forth sniffling- While not as heartbreaking as expected at the end, I definitely felt a lot.

Happiness: y e s

Cuteness:   y   e     s     s    s   ss s  s s s s. Sisterly and romantic.  Mainly sisterly.

Fast pacing: No? But it's a hard book to set down.

Series: No.

Read if you like: The Twelve Dancing Princesses, the 1920's, prohibition, magnificent sibling love, compatible sisters, fancy dresses, dancing

Content: Two characters do sleep together but honestly it was one of the most subtly written scenes ever, and it's off page.

In one sentence... Twelve sisters, one dangerously overprotective father, and many nights outside in the dance clubs, letting music and dresses wash away their worries...until police come and secrets are uncovered. 

Thoughts: The yellow glow of lights on the kingfisher dance floor, a stream of girls flowing from taxi cabs, and a small cigarette holder.
Messages: Family has the ability to be the best or worst thing.

Overall:

Rating: 5/5 stars. 

This review has LIGHT SPOILERS. They're just about a certain character you hear about early on who show up later. Honestly, it's easy to predict though.

The Lovely Bits



-Characters-

The characters. Oh my goodness, the characters. Jo was a very well done protagonist. It's hard to get a likable main character without making her too Mary Jane. Jo was strong, flawed, and just so...Jo. And Lou? Lou was amazing. Lou stole my heart with her sass and anger...but also with the way she cared so much and just knew. All the sisters, even though most of them were skimmed over, stole my heart.

And Tom. Tom. Oh Tom. At first I'll admit I was eyerolling at first when he came up. I figured he'd come back and sweep her off her feet and they'd be married. Yeah well...

That....Tom....Just yeah. He was great. All of her characters, even side characters or characters you hated were done really well.

-Writing and Structure-

I've never encountered prose like this before. It wasn't extravagant or eloquent, but still gorgeous. Linnea described it perfectly as tight. It was very tight, which meant that each word was chosen carefully, and you could tell. It was such a pleasure to read. I loved the usage of parenthesis, as well. The whole thing was such a lovely way of writing.

The story itself was so beautiful. I instantly felt engaged with these girls and their lives, and squealed a whole lot whenever Jo would sigh and tell them "The cabs are here at midnight". The setting was so interesting to me, which sometimes is hard to do, with a general setting like New York. 

-Messages and Other-

I'm trying to tell myself right now not to hype it up, that it isn't for everyone...but I'm having trouble. This book. It has so many of my favorite things to find in books. 

Siblings. Strong female character who aren't swept away by every guy they meet. Almost whimsical settings. The whole "feeling trapped-let's sneak out and go do things" feel. And 1920's and fairy tale retelling. Have you got it yet? I love this book.

And the ending. Yeah. I am just very sad and pleased with this  book. I really do want more.



The Less Lovely Bits

Um. Why is this book under 300 pages. 

No really, I'm trying to think of something I didn't like, so I can be all "Critical reviewer"

Okay but I'm not a critical reviewer. I really loved this book. I think you should go read it. Now. And tell me what you think.

Okay! I thought of something I didn't like! It's adult fiction, which mean it costs 24 freakin dollars to buy. That's outrageous. 

---
Overall. So yeah I really liked this book, guys. If this sounds like something you would like to, then what are you waiting for?

My hearts been captured by a world of forbidden dancing and catalog dresses and quiet socked feet. And now I suddenly really want to learn how to dance.

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

 “Birthdays were wretched, delicious things when you lived in Beau Rivage. The clock stuck midnight, and presents gave way to magic.

Curses bloomed.

Girls bit into sharp apples instead of birthday cake, chocked on the ruby-and-white slivers, and collapsed into enchanted sleep. Unconscious beneath cobweb canopies, frozen in coffins of glass, they waited for their princes to come. Or they tricked ogres, traded their voices for love, danced until their glass slippers cracked.

A prince would awaken, roused by the promise of true love, and find he had a witch to destroy. A heart to steal. To tear from the rib cage, where it was cushioned by bloody velvet, and deliver it to the queen who demanded the princess's death. 

Girls became victims and heroines.

Boys became lovers and murderers.

And sometimes... they became both.” 

This book, I actually read last year, but the long awaited sequel came out Tuesday, so I figured I would make a quick review. Because I love this book. Ish. I will try to write coherent thoughts. 

Stats:

Genre: Dark fairy tale retelling

Feelings: Some?

Happiness: Some snark and fun back and forth conversations.

Cuteness: I have mixed feelings about the romance. 

Fast pacing: Ish

Series: YES. And no. The new book, Tear You Apart, is a companion about Viv.

Read if you like: Once Upon a Time, and really dark fairy tales.

Content: Ehhhgggghhh. Some intense kissy stuff. Stupid romance thrown in. "Suggestive" comments. The most graphic it gets is the really annoying kissing with all the *BACK CLUTCHING* that makes me roll my eyes. 

In one sentence... A town where everyone gets a role in a fairy tale ending in death or sadness, and a girl on a mission for truth.

Thoughts: A apple, a blade, and dark flowers.

Overall:

Rating: 4.5/5

This review has LIGHT ROMANTIC SPOILERS in the negative section

The Lovely Bits:

I really like this book. When I say it's dark, I mean it. Fairy tale retellings can get old. But these are the types of fairy tales where Cinderella's stepsisters cut off bits of their feet. The dark kind. And it was glorious.

This is a very much concept driven book. After my first read, I did love the characters. I have given some thought and realized there's really more in it I didn't like that I thought. That being said, I still love the plot and story so much, it will remain a favorite.

The writing was lovely, thought simplistic. It was dark and weird, and very much pleasing. I ate up this whole book. Even the awful characters you kind of /like/.

I have so many mixed thoughts about Mira. She could be so obnoxious at times, but she was also realistic. She made terrible decisions but she was only 15. She was human. Wanting more. So I related with her. But there were times I wanted to smack that girl.

I feel like this is another case where I like the book so much that the little things in it that would normally disgust me don't bother me as much. I can understand why many people hate this book, but I loved it. 

The Less Lovely Bits

Before we get to the awful romantic square thing, I am going to talk about Mira. I did say she was relate-able, but she was also ridiculous. She complained about not being able to drive or go to parties. She said she could never date or watch R movies. I understand that Sarah Cross was trying to make it obvious that she is sheltered, but...she's 15. I'm 15. I am not allowed to go to wild parties or watch R movies and chance are I won't be dating for a long time. So instead of relate-able she came across of obnoxious.

Sarah Cross also I think made her a little too...mellow with things. She goes to this place and meets these weird people...including a girl who coughs up jewels and flowers...and calls it "weird".

What.

Okay. Now for the messed up romance. Before I say anything I'd just like to say that Blue, Felix, and Freddy...they're brothers. Yep.

Blue: The Bad Boy. The annoying teen with conveniently colored blue hair and sass. Least annoying out of all of them. But the forced tension with him and Mira was annoying. She's 15. Make this cute. Not weird.

Freddy: The Nice Guy. Oh but he's so dedicated to her! And if she is to go through with her role as sleeping beauty, he's her true love!

Felix: The Mysterious Man. A freakin 21 year old who shares a bed with her and DOES WEIRD THINGS. Stop. She's 15. Stop. He's making her feel obligated to do something, even to the point where she gets a nightgown and all that. She's 15. Never dated. And yet suddenly bravery and experience. 

Oh no, of course when Blue offers her a place to stay it's a terrible idea! But a 21 year old? Psh. Much better.

Here, look. I made a diagram for this.

Yeah. The romance of this novel sucked majorly.

Overall, I still finished this book loving it. I managed to swallow my furious-ness about the romance enough to realize that this story had so much promise and I really thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Partly also because the other not-main characters. Tear You Apart, the new one, has so much promise because it's about Viv, who is awesome.

I would definitely recommend this to people who have the patience for a weird love square and really like dark fairy tales. It's worth it.

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal

“He says that all that happens when you go far, far away is that you discover you've brought yourself along.”

Again, a book has been presented to me with a gorgeous cover, an amazing synopsis, and promise of a really great story. And I walk away very disappointed. 

Don't get me wrong...it wasn't bad. It just wasn't what I wanted it to be.

Stats:

Genre: Fantasy-ish paranormal wanabe

Feelings: No.

Happiness: No, not really.

Cuteness: I honestly could care less about the "romance".

Fast pacing: No

Series: No. 

Read if you like: Grimm fairy tales, light concepts, quick romance

Content: Nothing, other than a few kisses that aren't described and stuff. This could basically be a juvenile fiction book.

In one sentence... A troubled teen aged boy and a feisty redheaded girl try to piece together a mystery, all from the point of view of the ghost of one of the Brothers Grimm.
Thoughts:  A beautifully baked cake, guys. Cake.

Overall:

Rating: 3/5 

This review has NO MAJOR SPOILERS

The Lovely Bits:

Okay. You see that one sentence summary I wrote? It sounds pretty darn cool. The concept itself is awesome. Narrated by the ghost of one of the Grimm Brothers? Um,  yes! Sadly other than the concept there were few lovely things I was happy with.

The writing wasn't bad. There were some characters I actually really liked. I think the "problem" is that this is a modern day story advertised as an old fashioned fairy tale retelling. While that does go well with the voice of the narrator, it left me unsatisfied at the end, seeing as I had been expecting something dark.

Really, this is one of those books where I had a lot of things I disliked but those didn't make it a bad book. So the "Lovely Bits" section is quite short, but I still think other people can enjoy this book as long as they really know what it's about.

The Less Lovely Bits:

First off, as nice as the synopsis sounds, it really ticked me off after finishing the book. Let's take a look.

On goodreads, it tells you exactly what this story is about. The ghost, Jeremy, the girl, and the mystery. But on the book itself it says something along the lines of:

"Then Ginger takes a bite of cake that is said to make that person fall in love with the first person they see...and for her its Jeremy"

Okay. Interesting. And it did happen.

But was not brought up again basically the whole freaking book. What? 

I was told this book was dark and creepy. I like dark and creepy things. I was expecting at least a Kill Me Softly level of creepy. I didn't get it. There were subplots thrown in there that felt forced and contrived, and very out of place in a story that's supposed to be dark and about Grimm fairy tales.

This was such an amazing concept. I just wish they would have done better. I wish they would have made Ginger less of a stereotyped "wild feisty" redheaded girl. She was a fun character. But I felt like she was too much like every other feisty heroine out there. There was nothing that really made her stand out to me.

Overall, it wasn't a bad book. It wasn't a good book. It wasn't lovely or not lovely. I think people can enjoy this if they know that it's really more of a contemporary with some fairy tale stuff thrown in. 

It's just a book that won't be sticking with me personally.