Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

“A reputation is all it takes to spread fear and fear is a mighty weapon…”

Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama’s betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her. 

Dazzling! Absolutely magnificent, wonderful, amazing and all the other buzz words I cannot think of to describe how much I adore this book. Plot – structure – characters – such a well rounded book that kept me turning the page. I was intrigued with the curse that chained Shiori and her brothers and Shiori’s quest to break this curse was quite a thrilling adventure. I really felt for her when she was thrown into so many challenging situations – my heart broke for her. Great story, intriguing twists – great characters! My fav have to be Takkan and Megarj. Great reimagining of an old fairytale – highly recommended!

With special thanks to Date a Book YA – Hachette Publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
-Annie

Wings of Ebony by J.Elle

“Moms raised a diamond…”

BOOK LOVE 2021!

“Make a way out of no way” is just the way of life for Rue. But when her mother is shot dead on her doorstep, life for her and her younger sister changes forever. Rue’s taken from her neighborhood by the father she never knew, forced to leave her little sister behind, and whisked away to Ghizon—a hidden island of magic wielders.

Rue is the only half-god, half-human there, where leaders protect their magical powers at all costs and thrive on human suffering. Miserable and desperate to see her sister on the anniversary of their mother’s death, Rue breaks Ghizon’s sacred Do Not Leave Law and returns to Houston, only to discover that Black kids are being forced into crime and violence. And her sister, Tasha, is in danger of falling sway to the very forces that claimed their mother’s life.

Worse still, evidence mounts that the evil plaguing East Row is the same one that lurks in Ghizon—an evil that will stop at nothing until it has stolen everything from her and everyone she loves. Rue must embrace her true identity and wield the full magnitude of her ancestors’ power to save her neighbourhood before the gods burn it to the ground.

This book can be best described as ‘The Hate U Give’ meets ‘Black Panther’. Rue’s originally from East Row, Houston that is subject to looting, high school drug trafficking and shootings but she has a connection to the hidden magical world of Ghizon where she only half belongs as her mother is from East Row and her father whom she barely knows is a man with magical abilities from Ghizon. What does one do when both worlds collide?

The story is an intense page turner, from beginning to end, I kept turning the page wanting to know what happened next not just in plot but to our protagonist Rue and her loved ones around her: Tasha, Bri even Ms Leola. Rue is a tough and fierce character, personally I would be too intimidated to meet her in real life. One may find her unlikeable in the beginning but I can understand the way she is with everything she had gone through in her life. She is badass but she has a heart of gold, she is fiercely protective of her family and friends and she questions everything she has been told, always seeking the truth. How she deals with each truth that opens up for her is very interesting.

Fantasy plot aside, this story also ignites critical thinking on real world issues such as Black Lives Matter. With it, it also demonstrates how people can be conditioned to live a lie their entire lives so what happens when the truth finally comes out – do you accept it or deny it? How do these situations affect family and friendships and is it enough for just one person to push for the right change?

“Grow stronger in the pain…”

We meet quite a few characters as the book progresses and one thing that really stood out for me was how distinct each voice is through the dialogue Rue has with other characters. Characterisation is strong in this book. As the world shifts, characters change and you can’t help but care about what happens with every one you meet.

“Ain’t nobody gonna do for you what you won’t do for yourself…”

So well thought out, this book is really intriguing and whilst the ending does give us a form of closure, there is still enough open to keep us hanging for the sequel which I am really hanging for now.

With special thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book. 
-Annie

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Some stories refuse to stay bottled up…

When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni’s Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now, the tigers want it back. And when one of those tigers offers Lily a deal–return what Halmoni stole in exchange for Halmoni’s health–Lily is tempted to accept. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice… and the courage to face a tiger.

This is what I call my spontaneous read: before lockdown when I was out browsing booskstores, I found this in the YA section (but I feel it really should have been shelved in MG) somehow decided to read the first couple of pages then I ended up glued to it for a day. This is a wonderful story I wish I knew before. A contemporary story that cleverly intertwines fantasy and Korean lore. A story about family, heritage, bond and friendship. Lily was a wonderful character to follow, she was honest about herself – how she deals with situations and how they frustrate her because she can’t always speak her truth. I enjoyed how she developed as a character and how she bonds and forms an unlikely friendship with her new friend Ricky. Above all, I admired her love for her Halmoni (grandmother) regardless of what Halmoni was facing, Lily never gave up on her and her love for her grandmother truly reminded me of my love for my grandmother. The collision of real world and cultural lore was intriguing and how Lily navigates through this story was insightful. An enjoyable and well rounded middle grade story.. it was worth distracting my reading flow! Highly recommend! -Annie

Lobizona by Romina Garber

Book 1 of the Wolves of No World Series

Some people ARE illegal.

Lobizonas do NOT exist.

Both of these statements are false.

Manuela Azul has been crammed into an existence that feels too small for her. As an undocumented immigrant who’s on the run from her father’s Argentine crime-family, Manu is confined to a small apartment and a small life in Miami, Florida.

Until Manu’s protective bubble is shattered.

Her surrogate grandmother is attacked, lifelong lies are exposed, and her mother is arrested by ICE. Without a home, without answers, and finally without shackles, Manu investigates the only clue she has about her past–a mysterious “Z” emblem—which leads her to a secret world buried within our own. A world connected to her dead father and his criminal past. A world straight out of Argentine folklore, where the seventh consecutive daughter is born a bruja and the seventh consecutive son is a lobizón, a werewolf. A world where her unusual eyes allow her to belong.

As Manu uncovers her own story and traces her real heritage all the way back to a cursed city in Argentina, she learns it’s not just her U.S. residency that’s illegal. . . .it’s her entire existence.

This is a fantastic book! As a fan of urban fantasy I felt this was really thought out and well written. I adored how the author really captured Argentine folk lore then cleverly intertwined it with current social issues and really shows a perspective of someone who has fled their home and lives undocumented in another country. It’s easy for us to make comment about unlawful non citizens but your mind can shift once you see things from the other side of the coin. The story has a fine balance between the real world issue of being a minority/undocumented citizen to being an individual from a parallel world where you think you found where you belong only to find you’re still a minority or an illegal.. how do you navigate? How do you survive? Such a great book. I also admire how the author retained the Spanish language with the dialogue so nothing was lost – a book accessible to the author’s own people and those outside the culture. One to my favourites I wished I picked it up sooner. -Annie

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

A clever retelling of the original tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet that is set in 1920’s Shanghai however instead of rival families it’s rival gangs and an uneasy alliance or collaboration to combat an underground force that is choking the city. Admittedly the first chapter was a little difficult to get into but it picked up in the second chapter and held my attention to the end. I felt it was written very well, the multiple storylines throughout the book were intriguing and the characters were quite strong (all characters: main and supporting) I actually enjoyed Juliette being quite the badass and her connection with Roma Montagov (yeah I see what you did there) takes on it’s own unique storyline. A clever retelling and recommended to fans of retellings, unique fantasy stories and suspense. With special thanks to Date a Book YA – Hachette Publishers Australia for sending me a review copy of this book.  -Annie

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B Alston

Release Date: 20 January 2021

“People tend to fear what they don’t understand and fear can far too easily become hatred…”

Quinton Peters was the golden boy of the Rosewood low-income housing projects, receiving full scholarship offers to two different Ivy League schools. When he mysteriously goes missing, his little sister, 13-year-old Amari Peters, can’t understand why it’s not a bigger deal. Why isn’t his story all over the news? And why do the police automatically assume he was into something illegal? Then Amari discovers a ticking briefcase in her brother’s old closet. A briefcase meant for her eyes only. There was far more to Quinton, it seems, than she ever knew. He’s left her a nomination for a summer tryout at the secretive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Amari is certain the answer to finding out what happened to him lies somewhere inside, if only she can get her head around the idea of mermaids, dwarves, yetis and magicians all being real things, something she has to instantly confront when she is given a weredragon as a roommate.

Amari must compete against some of the nation’s wealthiest kids—who’ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives and are able to easily answer questions like which two Great Beasts reside in the Atlantic Ocean and how old is Merlin? Just getting around the Bureau is a lesson alone for Amari with signs like ‘Department of Hidden Places this way, or is it?’ If that all wasn’t enough, every Bureau trainee has a talent enhanced to supernatural levels to help them do their jobs – but Amari is given an illegal ability. As if she needed something else to make her stand out.

With an evil magician threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.

“The next step, then, is not to project our own prejudices onto the mystery, but rather to allow the  mystery to reveal itself to us in its own time…”

This is a fantastic middle grade adventure story that I highly recommend. Pitched as Harry Potter or Nevermoor meets Men In Black, this book was a lot of fun, clever and included very important messaging to dispel stereotypes, judgement and endorse acceptance and hope. The underlying messages throughout the book are what I truly admire in addition to the intriguing plot and unique balance of fantasy and contemporary world building. A clever story about a young black girl from the projects whom, despite constant ridicule due to her lower socio-economic background, retains strength and determination to find her missing brother. Amari has been subject to oppression and prejudice her entire life being from the projects and attending an elite school on a scholarship however she does not let these challenges define her. Amari is quick to jump to any opportunity that will help her find her brother and lead to bigger and better things – even if the journey spins her off into another supernatural world where the challenges she faces are very similar to what she has already endured back home: dealing with judgement, ridicule and prejudice simply because she is different from others.

“People assume stuff about you based on things you can’t change about yourself…”

Amari is a great character. Truly likeable, someone I could imagine being friends with and to an extent, I was able to relate to her in how she overcomes prejudice and stereotypes. I admired her strength and determination in not just finding her brother but to overcome obstacles that others through in front of her – she was not about to let others put her down. There were times Amari doubted herself and her lack confidence was a little frustrating but it drew a parallel to real life and demonstrated that no matter how strong and focused we are in life, we are human and have weak moments too. Amari demonstrated what it can be like for those who have had to be strong for too long. The supporting characters we meet along the way are also very interesting and a lot fun. Each character had a clear purpose for being in the story and part of the world (or bureau) we read. What I also liked about the characters was how unreliable they were. I had no idea who Amari should trust even when they presented themselves as an ally! I was left guessing right to the very end and I even remember thinking at one stage ‘well played, BB Alston… well played…’

The world had a fine balance between contemporary America and the truly imaginative Supernatural world. The Bureau is one place I’d like to explore from afar! I particularly liked the elevators (leaving that right there to avoid spoilers).

Right to the end, I developed theories as I went along with this book and thought I was able to predict the plot or even the characters only to be blindsided. Amari and the Night Brothers really sent me on a beloved and exciting adventure and I highly recommend this to young and older readers who are looking for an action packed adventure. I truly believe this book, whilst entertaining, has very important messaging the world needs to hear. Whilst the book ties up neatly at the end, there is enough open to move into a sequel which I am very excited for. I believe this book is a great way to start the new year and is a book our world needs. This book evoked my own sense of wonder and made me realise that regardless of who we are – how different we may be – we need to accept ourselves and love ourselves for who we are.

Amari and the Night Brothers: The Movie!!!

Coming out on top of a bidding war, Universal Pictures has optioned the rights to “Amari and the Night Brothers” Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville Films (Beauty and the Beast, Wonder) will produce the adaptation alongside star Marsai Martin and Josh Martin via Genius Productions. Don Cheadle will also produce the film – watch this space!!

Special thanks to Hardie Grant Egmont for a copy of this book.
-Annie

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor: 10 year anniversary

10 years ago this amazing series hit the shelves and to this day it’s still a favourite!!!

Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious “errands”, she speaks many languages – not all of them human – and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

A funny start to a trilogy I grew to love. While the storyline was a steady pace that slowly brings you into this quirky world but it is such a great investment. It is different from other books I have read and I enjoyed the magical blend of fantasy world set in contemporary Prague. I also came to care about the characters – their development, their journey and what became of them to the end. A very creative world, a great series to immerse yourself in – although the third book “Dreams of Gods and Monsters” is like a whole new world – could even be read as a stand alone!! Overall very enjoyable – happy 10th anniversary to this wonderful series.

With special thanks to Date a Book YA – Hachette Publishers for sending out the series and also sponsoring the Read3r’z Re-Vu Giveaway to celebrate the 10th anniversary!

-Annie

A Song of Wraith and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown

“The past devours those naive enough to forget it”

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

Brilliant and strong debut novel. I thought it was Badass.. I was first intrigued as it is inspired by West African folklore and it lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed the complexity of the world it’s set in + the 2 storylines that we follow: Karina and Malik. Each character whether main character or supporting character were so well defined and each has a valuable contribution to the plot. I particularly like Malik’s sister Leila for her strong and caring nature. I also enjoyed how Karina’s determination – though in a position of power she is vulnerable but does not show any fear. The world building was well balanced and done very beautifully – enough for you to captivate you and really put yourself there. I really look forward to the sequel (aka conclusion) -Annie

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

“Shoes made of glass are an accident waiting to happen…”

It’s 200 years since Cinderella found her prince, but the fairytale is over.

Sophia knows the story though, off by heart. Because every girl has to recite it daily, from when she’s tiny until the night she’s sent to the royal ball for choosing. And every girl knows that she has only one chance. For the lives of those not chosen by a man at the ball . are forfeit.

But Sophia doesn’t want to be chosen – she’s in love with her best friend, Erin, and hates the idea of being traded like cattle. And when Sophia’s night at the ball goes horribly wrong, she must run for her life. Alone and terrified, she finds herself hiding in Cinderella’s tomb. And there she meets someone who will show her that she has the power to remake her world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very fast paced, easy to follow and a story where you grow to care for what becomes of the characters. The story cleverly used a fairytale we all know and love as the foundation and was woven into an original story. I also had the pleasure of interviewing the author through Insta Live and got to know her inspiration for the story and what she is hoping readers will take away from this. The one thing I took away from it was to not be afraid to challenge the status quo. However you identify, don’t always just accept your fate.

“People who don’t fit nicely into the boxes the kings of Mersailles have defined are simply erased as if our lives don’t matter…”

The book was pitched as the Cinderella tale has been turned on its head with queer, black girls overthrowing the patriarchy which is exactly what it is and I feel the author executed this brilliantly. The kingdom is run by a dictatorship however the story of Cinderella is what governs the society. When girls hit a certain age, they are required to go to the ball to meet their match – failing to do so or failing to find their match results in girls becoming forfeit.

Sophia is a queer black girl who wants to find her own destiny…

“Maybe Liv wants to be taken away, I can’t blame her but that’s not for me… I don’t want to be saved by some knight in shining armour. I’d like to be the one in the armour and I’d like to be the one doing the saving…”

As time goes on, Sophia finds that there is no escape from what society expects from her and the only option is fight back. This is a story that questions everything, a story that teaches you what may be the norm does not always mean it’s right. In addition to the entertainment value, the author explores some important themes such as prejudice, sexism and sexual preference however in exploring these themes, it must be noted that some of the content does become intense and explores abuse (trigger warning).

This was a highly anticipated read for 2020 and I am happy to say it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this book and I was so thrilled to have met the author (full interview on the Read3r’z Re-Vu Instagram account – IGTV) With special thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a review copy of this book and for assisting in coordinating the live interview.
-Annie

Rebel Gods by Will Kostakis – Book Tour

***contains minor spoilers, if you have not read Monuments by Will Kostakis yet, please do not read any further!!!!***

—

Newbie gods Connor, Sally and Locky want to change the world, no biggie. When their first attempted miracle doesn’t quite go to plan, they find themselves at odds with their families, the media and each other. To make matters worse, they’re drawn into a centuries old conflict between the gods of Love and Fear that just might destroy the world they’re striving to make better.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters! Like the first one, it was a lot of fun to read however this installment of the duology takes us on more of an emotional adventure as well as the fantasy adventure. I loved how the relationships developed in this book between the characters we met in Monuments: Connor, Sally and Locky… (Locky will always be my personal favourite). I also love the relationship between Connor and his mum and how that changed too not just when Connor comes of age but when he’s acquired his new power and responsibility.

Fast paced, whitty, fun and action packed – over all a great read. I can also see how the author grows each time he writes a new book, it always seems to be a step better than the last although all his books a great. This duology is highly recommended for fans who enjoy fantasy fiction set in a contemporary times with great friendships, mythology and adventure.

With special thanks to Date a Book YA – Hachette Publishers Australia for sending me a copy of this book and for having me on board the Rebel Gods Book Tour.

Full interview with Will Kostakis to celebrate the release of Rebel Gods can be found on Read3r’z Re-Vu Instagram: IGTV
-Annie