Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater

Publishing House: Flux Books

Release Date: October 1, 2008

Pages: 325

Rating: A


Summary: Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand--one who can see faeries.

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend.

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind.


Review: After I read Maggie's "Shiver", I immediately ordered Lament and Ballad to give me some more of Maggie's amazing writing skills until the sequel, "Linger", comes out. That is just what I got. I absolutely LOVE stories about Faeries (especially ones that spell it like that) add in a bit of a love triangle and I am sold!

The story starts off with the prologue, which I can only assume is Deirdre's dream that she mention's later in the story, telling about a boy hiding in a room. Off in the distance of the room, there is a dove that is trapped in a cage of "hair-fine wires", its wings beating against the bars. A woman then appears, taking the bird from the cage, holding a candle beneath its wing, which seems to cause the boy pain. With the closing statements, the boy is discovered. Then, going into the first chapter, starting with Deirdre and her mother driving to a music competion.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In my opinion, it by far held up to my love of "Shiver", and made me even more excited for "Linger"!

Next to Read: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publishing House: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: October 13, 2009
Pages: 391
Rating: B-

Summary: Romance as not a part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boy at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But, after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her that her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should faill into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen--and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Review: When I first started this book,to be honest, I didn't like it very much. Up until around chapter, let's say, 15, it just wasn't grabbing my attention. But, since I won it from the official Hush Hush fansite (http://www.fallenarchangel.com/) I was determined to at least finish it. The book begins in the prologue, which takes place in Loire Valley, France, November 1565, with a character named Chauncey. Chauncey is, what is explained in within pages of the book starting, something called a "Nephilim." This is caused when a fallen angel reproduces with a female human.

We are then introduced to another character who's name isn't revealed, who tells Chauncey that he has a fortnight meet him back in that same spot, but doesn't say exactly why.
The first chapter, we are present day, and the story begins. Looking back on the beginning of the book I can't exactly remember why I didn't like it, I just remember it not grasping my by the wrists and dragging me in. Like I said earlier, I really didn't get to the point where I couldn't put it down until I was about half way done with the novel. The ending was what really got me to be Team Hush Hush, without giving away too many spoilers (SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE...wait, what?*) the end of the book was very captivating and made the earlier chapters come together and make sense very well.

Earlier today (technically, yesterday now seeing as it's 1am) I was at a chat held by the Fallen Archangel fansite with Becca, and she was talking about how many people say that the ending was too rushed. I don't think that at all. The last three to four chapters were by far my favourite of the entire book. She was also talking about how a lot of people don't like the character of Vee, Nora's best friend. I also disagree with this, but at times I really wanted to smack her upside the head. But, then again, what book doesn't have at least one character that you love but sometimes they could use a good swift kick?
Overall, this book was good, it wasn't OMIGOSH FANTASTIC, but it also wasn't utter crap.

In the comments, tell me what you thought of this book if you have read it, I would love to know some other points of view on it! Also, if you guys liked my review (*hopes*), I would love it if you guys would follow my blog. I have a lot of things planned for this and I can't wait to get n to them!

*In my opinion, this is the best spoiler EVER!

Welcome!

I really wanted to make a separate blog from my website where I could post book reviews and such. I will be starting with my first review as soon as I finish Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, it should be sometime around Friday or Saturday, so keep checking back! Also, become a follower that way you will know when I post a new review. Thanks!
DFTBA
Josie