I read this last month and somehow I forgot to post about
it—how could I do that? I just adore with world and writing of Kristin Cashore.
She is one of the best fantasy writers out there and the long-awaited Bitterblue did not disappoint. It’s set
as Queen Bitterblue is really beginning to take charge and rule after her
father, King Leck’s, disastrous reign. Her advisors have secrets; the people’s
minds are still muddled. The kingdom is a mess and Bitterblue has to somehow
figure it all out. Btterblue is a well-developed and sympathetic character, the
romance is handled extremely well, and I loved the details about codes. This
wasn’t my favorite novel in the Graceling realm (Graceling will always remain on top), though, because it was a bit
long and meandering. The novel was really about Bitterblue figuring out what
she didn’t know she didn’t know; and it goes without saying that that’s a
difficult thing to write about! Luckily, as I mentioned before, I just want to
live in this world so any slight flaws are easily forgiven. A recommended read.
I read this book for a Harper-sponsored book club but only
got about a third of it read before the discussion. Normally when that happens
I just say “oh well” and move onto the next book I need to read. But for Variant I had to read it! It’s a great
boarding school story that is actually told from a boy’s point of view which is
so fresh. And the twist? I totally didn’t see it coming! There was a great mix
of action, romance, and mystery in this book and I look forward to reading the
sequel. A recommended read.
When Rory moves from Louisiana to a boarding school in
London she doesn’t expect for a Jack the Ripper copycat to begin murdering
victims in her neighborhood. (Spoilers head!) She especially doesn’t expect to
see the murderer when sneaking out of school one night and become the star
witness in the case. But Rory’s friend Jazza didn’t see anyone there and soon
Rory is seeing lots of people that no one else can. When a third roommate shows
up and Rory discovers that she’s an undercover cop—for ghosts—her whole life is
turned upside down. Joining the ghost hunters Rory confronts the Jack the
Ripper copycat ghost and succeeds in sending him away to the afterlife. My
feelings on this book are surprisingly neutral. There are definitely some
strong moments; Rory is an authentic teen (she and I literally had one of the
same concerns before living in London!) and her friendship with Jazza felt so
real. They were a great pair. The setting was well described, the pacing was
quirk, and the language enjoyable. There were a few questionable elements,
though. First, as soon as the undercover cop entered the book (roughly halfway
through) Jazza is relegated to the background. Although ghost hunting is cooler
than roommate-bonding Jazza was such an authentic character I really missed
her. It felt very odd that such a major character in the first half could so
quickly become a minor character in the second half. Secondly, there were brief
sections from other point of views; adults (nurse, researcher, techie) who had
something to do with the Jack the Ripper case. The book even opened with one of
these sections. It was jarring to get these brief sections from other points of
view; although the information they gave the reader enhanced the reader’s
understanding of the situation it wasn’t necessary information and could have
be presented through Rory listening to the news, for example. This is a new
direction for Maureen Johnson and is missing the quirkiness I loved in Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes. A good
comp for this is a ghost-paranormal-with-slight-historical-bend the Haunting
Emma series by Lee Nichols which I think is stronger than this title. However,
I love London so any book that brings
the city to life as much as I did is a fun pick. And the cover is fantastic!
This is an engaging tween coming-of-age story about
friendship and responsibly set on a backdrop of basketball. Jerome, an African
American boy in the 1970s South, thinks he can handle everything—but when he’s
the only black kid to integrate the schools he meets Bix, a troubled while boy
with plenty of problems. As Jerome struggled through several problems,
including his mother’s hospitalization, he tries to figure out Bix. The boys
bond over basketball and form a tentative friendship.
The style of narration is sure to capture readers,
especially reluctant readers, because the first chapter tells of what is to
come with Jerome breaking into Bix’s house and telling readers that Bix has
disappeared. This is a great hook and the rest of the book is spent as a
flashback showing Jerome and Bix’s growing friendship. The issues, quick
writing, and basketball backdrop, and 1985 Newbery Honor are sure to keep this
book popular in classroom.
I can’t tell you have many people both inside and out of
the industry have recommended this middle grade fantasy series. And all those
people were so right—the world building of this book is such a delightful mix
of contemporary London and true fantasy elements. The story centers on
neglected but extremely talented magician’s apprentice Nathaniel who has raised
a djinni to extract revenge on a powerful magician by stealing a powerful
amulet. Multiple adventures ensue and Nathaniel even ends up saving the Prime
Minister. One of the most charming elements of this book was the first person
narrative of the djinni, which includes many irreverent comments, often in the
footnotes. A recommended read.
Full Manuscripts: 8
