Title: Splintered
Author: A.G. Howard
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Series: n/a, but here's hoping =)
Publisher: AudioGO
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble |
Audible
This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
So, after listening to the
Alice in Zombieland audiobook at the end of last year and discovering it wasn't a retelling of one of my favorite childhood stories
in the least bit as I'd hoped, I was reluctant to read
Splintered. For obvious reasons. And for not so obvious reasons. Like the fact that this cover kind of freaked me out a bit. I know practically everyone is enthralled with it's vividness, but even so, it was a little...
shocking to me. It's so intense and vibrant. I don't know...I can't explain why it turned me off at first. I just know it did. But as I learned with
my last audiobook experience, sometimes a really fantastic book is hiding behind an unusual cover...a cover that, after reading the book, really
does capture the essence of the story.
I actually also received a copy for review from the publisher via Netgalley, but as you've read, I was a bit leery of working it into my review schedule. But then all of those fabulous reviews came rolling in and assuaged some of my doubts, and so I decided to give the audio a try. I'm sure sitting down to read this novel would have been great, but I
loved the audio, and I don't regret going that route for a second. I just adore finding new narrators who make the listening experience every bit as exciting as it should be, and that's just what I discovered with this audiobook.
Rebecca Gibel's narrative was pitch-perfect, no matter which character she was voicing. She's performed a few other young adult novels, but this is the first time I've actually come across her narration, though I will definitely be seeking it out in the future. Rebecca Gibel
owned this narration, from her plucky representation of the heroine to the English accent she lent to the mysteriously sexy Morpheus.
Yeah, yeah, yeah...I loved the audio. But you want to know if the story was worth it, right? Trust me, friends, I would not recommend the audio if the story itself was not up to par. As far as retellings go, this one was phenomenal. Imagine a whole world as brilliant and stunning as that cover. I know, I know...it scared me off at first, but the way Wonderland is brought to life through the eyes of Alyssa is just...
magical. The world-building in this book is so rich and captivating that I found myself listening to this book when I was supposed to be reading other things. If you were entranced by Tim Burton's
version of Wonderland, you will
love this one.
And, oh, how clever this author is, weaving the story the way she did! Maybe it was because I expected that I already knew how things would play out or maybe it's just because the author is a clever little minx, but I was surprised at nearly every turn. And my alliances changed just about as often. In a place full of magic such as this, I think it would be nearly impossible to truly know who to trust.
So, I guess it's a good thing that the spirited Alyssa has level-headed, slightly untrusting Jeb along for her adventure. He's good for comedic relief, too. The problem is, Morpheus is a sweet-talking moth-man who is the splitting image of Brandon Lee from
The Crow. Morpheus acts as Alyssa's guide to Wonderland, much as the Caterpillar does in the original story, but I really liked the updates to this character, especially how central his role is in the story.
vs.
I found it really easy to relate to and connect with these more modern characters, but I also felt like the characters stayed somewhat true to their original roles, which I appreciated on every level. I can't believe I almost passed on this book, simply because I judged it on looks alone. I'm making a promise right now to try more books with covers that are out of my comfort zone. (Except those bodice rippers with half-naked peeps on the front. To each his own, but those will never be for me.)
Splintered left me with a bookish high, one I had to keep going, which is why I immediately started a different audiobook upon finishing this one...which is also why I'm just now reviewing it, even though I finished it a week ago. The conclusion of the story was a little open-ended, so I'm hoping the author has more of Alyssa's story to tell. A.G. Howard completely reinvented this world that I've come to love, and I want to see more of it. Prepare for Alice-sized tears until my demands are met!
Rating: 
Favorite Quotes:
“I've been collecting bugs since I was ten; it's the only way I can stop their whispers. Sticking a pin through the gut of an insect shuts it up pretty quick.”
“Tearing down the rest of the world won't make you happy. Look inside yourself. Because finding who you were meant to be? What you were put into this world to do? That's what fills the emptiness. It's the only thing that can.”
“I hate you," I say, the sentiment muffled against his heart, hoping to make it true.
"And I love you," he answers without hesitation, voice resolved and raw as he holds me tighter so I can't break away and react. "A crossroads, my beautiful princess, that was unavoidable—given our situations.”
“Sometimes a flame must level a forest to ash before new growth can begin. I believe Wonderland needed a scouring.”
“I go where Al goes, dances-with-bugs. And just so you know, if anything happens to her, I'll pin you by your wings to a corkboard and use you for dart practice.”
“No one knows what he or she is capable of until things are at their darkest.”
Friday, May 6, 2016
Know What You're Getting Into When You Make a Deal With the Devil
Author: Jennifer Mason-Black
Series: stand-alone
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: May 17, 2016
Source: ARC received from publisher
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Devil and the Bluebird was nothing like I was expecting and I may have liked it all the more because of it. You tell me there's a devil in the story, and I am so in. Plus, sister stories are always worth a read, having two sisters of my own and never really understanding either of them completely. And it should also be known that I can't say no to characters named Blue. ;0)
Much as Blue had been expecting someone different when she went to the crossroads, I was just as surprised at the identity of the would-be devil. Namely, that he was a her. Honestly, that shouldn't have really shocked me, not with all of the Supernatural I watch, but it did change all of my expectations for this book.
I guess I was hoping for some forbidden romance between the devil and Blue. Which would have been top-notch, but I think what the author does with this story is even more amazing. It's a coming-of-age story, about finding your voice (literally) and discovering your own path, and all of the ups and downs that come along with it. It's a story of loss and hope, of love and acceptance. That last one plays a BIG part in this story.
Blue makes friends and allies on her trek, but she also finds the meaning of true evil along the way. She discovers that things are not always what they seem but that she should trust her instincts when it comes to real danger. And she learns that family can come in many forms.
This story felt like a folk song, eclectic and rich. (It also made me want to rewatch Supernatural.) What a beautiful, poignant novel, full of heart and a hint of magic. A very lovely debut, to be sure.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Review: Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman
Author: Kate A. Boorman
Series: Winterkill Trilogy, book #1
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: September 9, 2014
Source: from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Alright...show of hands. Who among us didn't add this book to our TBR strictly based off of that awesome cover and font treatment? That's what I thought. I myself was immediately drawn to the book based on the fence spelling out the title of the book and the Red Riding Hood-vibe I was getting from the cover. And it served me well because I really enjoyed this creepy tale of the unknown and what lurks there. Even if I did go into it thinking it was a stand-alone, only to find out it's the first in a planned trilogy. (Don't you hate when that happens?)
Anyway, I wasn't exactly sure which genre this book fell into when I started it, and I'm even less certain after finishing it. There's definitely an end-of-the-world-as-we-knew-it feeling, but the society in which Emmeline lives is
cult-likerudimentary in nature. As in they've reverted to the way of life before electricity or any of the conveniences we know today. They don't even have some of the animals standard to that time, including horses, because they were wiped out, purportedly by the beast that roams the woods. These people don't exactly worship or revere the mysterious malmaci that resides in the woods surrounding their fortification, but they give it credence with their fear of it and the unknown. Considering no one's actually seen proof of its existence besides the Takings, they've given it a lot of power with their faith that it's real, that it's just biding its time until it snatches up its next victim. All that aside, I see this progressing as more of a survivalist story in future books, so I'm going to go with my first instinct and declare this a post-apocalyptic story, considering what I know now of the nature of these people.It's not immediately apparent where this story actually takes place, if it's even a place that exists today or some version of it, but my best guess is Canada based on the fact that La Prise is unbelievably cold and dangerous -- hence the name winterkill -- and the fact that many of the villagers are fluent in French. Plus, the author is Canadian, so there's that. (On a side note, many conversations in this book mix English and French with little to no translation but it's easy to discern the gist of the dialogue based on the context. I actually found it refreshing to see the dialogue written in this manner, with no parroting back the translations each time French was used in conversation, but I'm sure it will annoy some readers, not knowing exactly what's being said.) At any rate, the descriptions of the setting weren't lacking, and I was immediately able to place the characters in the frozen tundra of Canada -- or near enough to it -- and far from any other civilization.
Emmeline is an outcast in her society, carrying the shame -- the Stain -- of her grandmother's past transgressions, transgressions for which her grandmother was sentenced to die. Em is also of "binding" age, which means it is time for her to agree on a life mate and be bound to that person in a special ceremony in a matter of days. And lo and behold, the society's leader has become smitten with Emmeline, against the Council's, well, counsel. But Em is right skittered by his affections and his plans for their people. Not to mention that she is Wayward, not unlike her grandmother, on a daily basis with no inkling to bind herself to anyone at this point.
Except maybe Kane, but his curiosity for what's outside those fortification walls is only surpassed by Emmeline's, making them the perfect match. Em risks certain danger every time she enters the woods, and Kane tries to keep her safe, keep her from the punishments that her would-be fiancé would be responsible for doling out. Their romantic interlude was sweet, but I'm glad it didn't become all-consuming. All Emmeline is concerned with at this point is discovering the truth: about her Stain, about the First Peoples, about the malmaci, about what lies beyond the fence, about everything. Her own curiosity is insatiable and she'll risk her life for the answers. But what she finds just may set her world crumbling down around her.
I loved how the fear of the unknown proved to be such a powerful motivator for the characters in this story. Life inside those four walls is all any of them have known, and they all crave even a shred of hope for something better, though no one's throwing them a bone. Winterkill is intense and full of suspense, and it kept me thoroughly engaged. While I was hoping for a stand-alone of this nature -- finally! -- I am equally pleased to revisit this world in future installments, as my curiosity has been piqued as much as Em's ever was in this book. So many unanswered questions and so much more to learn about this world and how it came to be. I can't wait to discover more!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Review: Unhinged by A.G. Howard
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Splintered, book #2
Publisher: Amulet
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Source: received from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
To say that I was thoroughly impressed with Splintered would be an understatement. Howard's writing is just so visual and completely stunning, and as soon as I put her debut down, I wanted the next book. I gave my older sister a copy for her birthday because she's slightly obsessed with anything related to Alice in Wonderland, and she finally, finally read it last month. And now she's harassing me to let her read my copy of Unhinged, even though it's an e-galley. I hated having to tell her that she'd just have to wait until January 7th when I could order her a finished copy. :(
This series has legions of fans, and it's really no wonder as to why that is. The world-building is beyond amazing, and even though this sequel is set more in the real world than in Wonderland, parts of Wonderland are creeping into our world. And that includes Morpheus. Alyssa has chosen to live her life out in the human world, but Morpheus isn't ready to let her go just yet.
To make matters worse, Alyssa's having a difficult go of it in our realm. She's having visions and creating some pretty wicked art, even more macabre than the bug collages she'd been making prior to her adventures in Wonderland. I think the events and interactions in this book take the creepy factor to a whole other level, but I'm not complaining. Every flinch-inducing moment was worth it to see that one vision. I've never wavered from Team Morpheus, but after this, I am even more firmly planted on his side of the dividing line.
For what it's worth, Jeb isn't absent from this sequel, despite the fact that Morpheus is featured prominently on the cover. Jeb plays just as big of a role in Unhinged as he did in Splintered, but I felt even less love for his character this time around. Morpheus may have untoward motivations where Alyssa is concerned, but at least you know what to expect with him. With Jeb, I feel like his art and his career will always be first, especially since he doesn't remember what happened last year. And the fact that Alyssa's parents treat him differently now makes it all the harder to like his character. But I do love the fact that they have an opinion and are even more involved in this sequel than in the first book. Alsyssa needs her family more than ever now, especially with everything she's discovering about herself and their past.
I can't say that I didn't see some of the plot developments coming to fruition chapters before they actually did, but expecting the twists and knowing when they're coming are two entirely different things. So, even though I had an inkling of where the author was taking the story, the timing of everything, of all of these revelations, left me surprised more often than not. Which just goes to show how impressive Howard's writing is. She can surprise me time and again, even when I'm expecting it; she can make me fall for one of the most unlikable characters, despite his devious intentions; and she's breathed new life into Wonderland, warping it far beyond what I imagined as a child.
And again, I'm left hungering for the next installment. Just wait till my sister reads this sequel and realizes she then has to wait a year for the next book like the rest of us! Ha! :D Okay, that's sort of evil to wish that kind of torture on a loved one, but Howard is kind of evil for leaving us on the cliffhanger she did!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
{Short Story Sunday} Review: The Moth in the Mirror by A.G. Howard
And so I would like to highlight some short stories and novellas set in worlds I've already come to love and learn a little more about some of the secondary characters in my favorite novels. In addition to offering up a mini review of these short works of fiction, I'll be underscoring some of my favorite aspects.
This week I'm featuring The Moth in the Mirror, an alternate perspective to certain moments in A.G. Howard's debut novel:
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Splintered, book #1.5
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I just finished Unhinged, and I wasn't quite ready to leave this world yet, so I downloaded this novella. I'm aware that it should have been read prior to Unhinged, and I completely concur, but it didn't impede my enjoyment of either story any that I didn't read them in order. I should also point out that it's not necessary to read this novella before you pick up Unhinged and that a lot of what's covered in both Splintered and Unhinged is present in this story, just from a different perspective.
With that said, I have to admit that my loyalties have changed with each installment of this story. I love both boys for different reasons, and it's clear that both boys care very deeply for Alyssa, though I think it's clearest in this novella. For that reason alone, I think it's a worthy read. Worth $1.99? Maybe, maybe not. Depends on how much you love this series, I suppose. My other sister -- the one who's the hardcore Alice fan -- begged me for my advanced copy of Unhinged, and so I'm sure she'll be purchasing this short. But if the rivalry between Jeb and Morpheus doesn't have you excited yet, this story might not be essential for your continuation of the series.
Because The Moth in the Mirror is an exploration of the relationship each boy has with Alyssa and what each is hoping for...and what they're willing to give up. Honestly, if you read Unhinged, you'll already have read some of this, just not in the same context. Morpheus wants to know exactly what he's up against when it comes to Jeb, what his motivations, his strengths and his weaknesses are, especially when it comes to Al. So, he takes a ride on the train of lost memories, experiencing pivotal moments from Jeb's point-of-view.
Does this change anything for Morpheus? I'll let you be the judge, either based on your reading of this story or when you get to Unhinged. Either way, the truth is there, in his words but mostly in his actions. Morpheus may not be mortal, but he desires what one mortal has above all else. And despite his single-mindedness, his sheer arrogance, I still want Morpheus to come out on top.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Teaser Tuesday #82: Unhinged by A.G. Howard
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Author: A.G. Howard
Series: Splintered, book #2
Publisher: Amulet
Publication Date: January 7, 2014
Source: received from publisher via Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My teaser:
Oh, that Morpheus! Never a dull moment with him around! :D I'm so happy to be back in this world...I wasn't going to read this one yet, but I couldn't help myself, especially since my sister is preparing to read it and I know she'll want to discuss when I see her next. =)
What are you teasing this week? Share it in the comments or leave a link so I can visit!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Waiting on Wednesday: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
This week's WoW selection is...
Author: Cat Winters
Series: n/a
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.
Why I'm waiting: The premise reminds me a bit of Masque of the Red Death, which I loved, so I'm willing to give it a try on that alone. But the fact that her first love revisits her as a ghost? YES! And then there are the photos...reminiscent of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I'll definitely be picking this one up.
What are you waiting on this week? Feel free to share it in the comments or leave a link so I can stop by!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
{Audiobook} Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard
Author: A.G. Howard
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel
Series: n/a, but here's hoping =)
Publisher: AudioGO
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Source: purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
So, after listening to the Alice in Zombieland audiobook at the end of last year and discovering it wasn't a retelling of one of my favorite childhood stories in the least bit as I'd hoped, I was reluctant to read Splintered. For obvious reasons. And for not so obvious reasons. Like the fact that this cover kind of freaked me out a bit. I know practically everyone is enthralled with it's vividness, but even so, it was a little...shocking to me. It's so intense and vibrant. I don't know...I can't explain why it turned me off at first. I just know it did. But as I learned with my last audiobook experience, sometimes a really fantastic book is hiding behind an unusual cover...a cover that, after reading the book, really does capture the essence of the story.
I actually also received a copy for review from the publisher via Netgalley, but as you've read, I was a bit leery of working it into my review schedule. But then all of those fabulous reviews came rolling in and assuaged some of my doubts, and so I decided to give the audio a try. I'm sure sitting down to read this novel would have been great, but I loved the audio, and I don't regret going that route for a second. I just adore finding new narrators who make the listening experience every bit as exciting as it should be, and that's just what I discovered with this audiobook. Rebecca Gibel's narrative was pitch-perfect, no matter which character she was voicing. She's performed a few other young adult novels, but this is the first time I've actually come across her narration, though I will definitely be seeking it out in the future. Rebecca Gibel owned this narration, from her plucky representation of the heroine to the English accent she lent to the mysteriously sexy Morpheus.
Yeah, yeah, yeah...I loved the audio. But you want to know if the story was worth it, right? Trust me, friends, I would not recommend the audio if the story itself was not up to par. As far as retellings go, this one was phenomenal. Imagine a whole world as brilliant and stunning as that cover. I know, I know...it scared me off at first, but the way Wonderland is brought to life through the eyes of Alyssa is just...magical. The world-building in this book is so rich and captivating that I found myself listening to this book when I was supposed to be reading other things. If you were entranced by Tim Burton's version of Wonderland, you will love this one.
And, oh, how clever this author is, weaving the story the way she did! Maybe it was because I expected that I already knew how things would play out or maybe it's just because the author is a clever little minx, but I was surprised at nearly every turn. And my alliances changed just about as often. In a place full of magic such as this, I think it would be nearly impossible to truly know who to trust.
So, I guess it's a good thing that the spirited Alyssa has level-headed, slightly untrusting Jeb along for her adventure. He's good for comedic relief, too. The problem is, Morpheus is a sweet-talking moth-man who is the splitting image of Brandon Lee from The Crow. Morpheus acts as Alyssa's guide to Wonderland, much as the Caterpillar does in the original story, but I really liked the updates to this character, especially how central his role is in the story.
I found it really easy to relate to and connect with these more modern characters, but I also felt like the characters stayed somewhat true to their original roles, which I appreciated on every level. I can't believe I almost passed on this book, simply because I judged it on looks alone. I'm making a promise right now to try more books with covers that are out of my comfort zone. (Except those bodice rippers with half-naked peeps on the front. To each his own, but those will never be for me.)
Splintered left me with a bookish high, one I had to keep going, which is why I immediately started a different audiobook upon finishing this one...which is also why I'm just now reviewing it, even though I finished it a week ago. The conclusion of the story was a little open-ended, so I'm hoping the author has more of Alyssa's story to tell. A.G. Howard completely reinvented this world that I've come to love, and I want to see more of it. Prepare for Alice-sized tears until my demands are met!
Rating:
Favorite Quotes:
“I've been collecting bugs since I was ten; it's the only way I can stop their whispers. Sticking a pin through the gut of an insect shuts it up pretty quick.”
“Tearing down the rest of the world won't make you happy. Look inside yourself. Because finding who you were meant to be? What you were put into this world to do? That's what fills the emptiness. It's the only thing that can.”
“I hate you," I say, the sentiment muffled against his heart, hoping to make it true.
"And I love you," he answers without hesitation, voice resolved and raw as he holds me tighter so I can't break away and react. "A crossroads, my beautiful princess, that was unavoidable—given our situations.”
“Sometimes a flame must level a forest to ash before new growth can begin. I believe Wonderland needed a scouring.”
“I go where Al goes, dances-with-bugs. And just so you know, if anything happens to her, I'll pin you by your wings to a corkboard and use you for dart practice.”
“No one knows what he or she is capable of until things are at their darkest.”
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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