Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

What would World War I have been like if technology and science had been far more advanced? What if Darwin had found a way to combine the genetics of animals? Of course, the advance of science will always be met with opposition from religion. Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire,is running for his life, both of his parents murdered. Deryn Sharp is an English gal who takes on the disguise of a boy in order to join the British Air Service. These two characters are meant to be enemies starting with the fact that the British are ‘Darwinists’, those who have embraced Darwin’s findings while the Austro-Hungarians are ‘Clankers’, those who prefer machinary over the vile mixing of species. The Leviathan is the air ship the Deryn Sharp finds herself on, and it also takes a major part in the book. The airship is not mechanical but rather a living thing. A mix of million of species that make it far more advanced in science than the mechanical air ships of the Clankers.

This was phenomenal book, although I didn’t get hooked until a few chapters in. The book does start with a bang that gets you interested but you may have to adjust to the world you’ve just been dropped into. I loved the mixing points of view and the characters were stunning as usual. You need to get a copy of this book. Although the ending has you hooked, it cuts of abruptly. So you know you’ll find yourself running to the store as soon as the next book comes out. The illustrations are a fantastic addition, they really help you adjust to the world. The imagery just adds to the amazing story. Scott Westerfeld does not disappoint.

Intrigued,

Rachel

A Personal Update and a Present

Update: Let’s review November, the time I participated in NaNoWriMo and ignored this poor blog.  However, I won! Woot. With the gracious help of Caitlyn. Who, if you look at post before last, seemed self assured that I would loose. Hah. But I do thank you Caitlyn. I wouldn’t have had my 5000 word days without you.

Present: There are free copies of Suite Scarlett for all. Just follow this link: http://maureenjohnson.blogspot.com/  And then look under How? In the blog post and follow the link. Online copies and also copies for the iPhone, Kindle, and B&N ereader. Merry Chirstmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year

Wishing you well,

Rachel

Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith

This book actually has a sister book, you could say. Tantalize. For those of you who have read Tantalize, it takes place in the same world, however there are no guest appearances from the other characters and you won’t be lost if you read this book before Tantalize. Something to know if you haven’t read Tantalize: this world includes were-people, shapeshifters, and vampires. The public is aware of their existance but predudje of course. Eternal switches between two points of view, Zachary, a guardian angel and Miranda, his charge as the unthinkable happens. Shortly after the book begins, Miranda is turned into a vampire, the fault of her reckless guardian angel. Michael, the archangel, takes away Zachary’s wings, and leaving Zachary bound to Earth and unaware of her fate. He goes through a rough period and then is given an offer, to gain back his wings. This leads him to Miranda, who now leads a luxurious life as the vampire world’s princess. She’s finally adjusted to her life and needs a personal assistant to help her plan her ‘ father’s ‘ deathday gala. Can Zachary save his charge, the girl he fell in love with? Will he be able to complete the mission? Will he forever be a fallen angel? And then there’s Miranda, Will she want to be saved, now that she has everything she wanted as a human?

Eternal was suprisingly good. I loved the switching point of view and the writing style. The main characters had depth as did the minor characters. You can feel/see Miranda changing as you read and Zachary struggle. There was just enough dry sarcasim to remind you where you were in the story. The plot was good, a few twists here and there that capture your attention.  I recommend you add this to your list of books to read, as well as Tantalize. (There will be another book that will have characters from both books)

Enthralled,

Rachel