I've been trying to get back to some old reading habits, such as reading more young adult literature. There's been some good ones that have come out recently and today I'm happy to share two new ones that have caught my eye.
Goodreads says, "It was said that if you write to the Bridegroom’s Oak, the love of your life will answer back. Now, the tree is giving up its secrets at last.
In 1940s Germany, Sophie is excited to discover a message waiting for her in the Bridegroom's Oak from a mysterious suitor. Meanwhile, her best friend, Hanna, is sending messages too—but not to find love. As World War II unfolds in their small town of Kleinwald, the oak may hold the key to resistance against the Nazis.
In 1980s West Germany, American teen transplant Jenny feels suffocated by her strict parents and is struggling to fit in. Until she finds herself falling for Lena, a punk-rock girl hell-bent on tearing down the wall separating West Germany from East Germany, and meeting Frau Hermann, a kind old lady with secrets of her own.
In Spring 2020, New York City, best friends Miles and Chloe are in the first weeks of COVID lockdown and hating Zoom school, when an unexpected package from Chloe’s grandmother leads them to investigate a cold case about two unidentified teenagers who went missing under the Bridegroom’s Oak eighty years ago."
I have always enjoyed Bray's writing and that is the case here with Under the Same Stars. This is a powerful novel, perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys, as the story really stays with you. While I love WWII storylines, I am not sure I was in the right frame of mind to appreciate this one. I also struggled with the 2020 plot thread as the pandemic plays a role. Again, I am also not sure I am ready to read about COVID yet - too soon? Nonetheless, Bray's story kept me engaged, despite my issues with the difficult topics as well as some uneven pacing. Having three different points of view can be daunting at times, but overall, she really pulled together a powerful story that tied together the three narratives very well.Under the Same Stars is a GMA YA book club pick and I can see why. It would lend itself to wonderful discussions.
Goodreads says, "In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love…
In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemy the Cloaks and the Daggers – the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?
Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before… Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice - forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame?"
Seraphine Marchant's mother makes Shade, which can be manipulated for various uses by Fantome's underworld. For starters, a person can use it to hide in the shadows, which makes it perfect for stealing, and when ingested it makes you a lethal killer. When Sera's mother is killed, Sera flees to Fantome's countryside and seeks refuge with the Cloaks. The Cloaks and the Daggers are two rival groups and now she is the Dagger's newest mark. Ransom, a talented Dagger, is looking for her. The two, while rivals have an undeniable connection, and as secrets unfold, alliances will be challenged. The Dagger and the Flame by Catherine Doyle is the first installment in a new romantasy perfect for fans of the genre.
I found Sera's story very compelling in The Dagger and the Flame, mostly due to Doyle's outstanding world-building. She develops Fantome very well; the details surrounding the catacombs, the dark underbelly of the town, and the cobblestone streets lit by lamplight are all very well done and atmospheric. My only gripe with The Dagger and the Flame is that Sera and Ransom lacked any real chemistry. While it is implied throughout the novel, it really isn't developed and it feels too superficial and immature at times. Nonetheless, fans of the romantasy genre will be pleased with the immersive world-building. I am sure many will continue with the series; however, I think I will look to many other novels from this genre that are saturating the market.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I really appreciate your comments. Thank you!