The Dragon's Harp (Era Of Dragons: The Lost Tales Of Gwenhwyfar) by Rachael Pruitt

Summary:

ARTHURIAN HISTORICAL FANTASY FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Before Gwenhwyfar became Queen - before Arthur met Merlin - a tribal Welsh princess met a young Heatherlands Mage. Together, they will create a legend.

Inside a mist of beauty and brutality waits the Arthurian legend as you’ve never heard it before. Enter the world of THE DRAGON'S HARP, a realm of blood lust and vengeance, of spellbinding magic from the beginning of time. The realm of Princess Gwenhwyfar: a young girl torn between magic and desire, born with magical powers she can either wield to save her people from destruction - or deny to save her soul.

IN AN ERA OF DRAGONS A YOUNG GIRL COMES OF AGE

First in a five book series of historical fantasy, Rachael Pruitt’s unique take on a beloved legend reintroduces the mythic characters of Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, and Vortigern against the gritty backdrop of sixth century Wales, where scenes of shape-shifting and heartbreaking romance vie with torture, murder, and battle in a dragon-haunted land.
Summary taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 366 pages
Source: Review Copy from Author
Publication Date: February 16th 2012 by Createspace

A few months ago I stumbled upon this book while reading one of my favourite blogs The Owl Bookmark Blog which is run by Siobian one of my Goodreads friends. Since my first love is history you can imagine that I frequent her blog a lot. Anyways, one day I stopped by and found her review (click the link to read her lovely review!) of this book and instantly added it to my wish list. Luckily for me, author Rachael Pruitt saw my tweet on Twitter and generously gifted me with a copy.

As soon as I started the book I knew I was in for a rare treat. Rachael Pruitt gives readers a unique take on the classic Arthurian legends. This time the story is told from Gwenhwyfar's point of view. I n this book we follow Gwen from childhood to the time where she's in the in between world, that of womanhood and being a young girl.

I think I well and truly fell in love with the way that Rachael wrote her novel. The characters especially those of Gwen and Merlin as well as her grandmother really made the story for me. Their mannerisms, personalities and their struggles made them all the more endearing.

The setting was fabulous I think that the author did a wonderful job in world building not that it needed much but she certainly knew how to write scenes. Every time the scene changed I felt as if I were there along side Gwen, it was a feeling that I've only felt when I've read my favourite authors. As you can probably guess Rachael Pruitt has gained a place on that list with her spectacular writing style, imagination, and creativity. She has a rare gift one I haven't seen very often and one that I'm glad to have discovered. She made me fall in love with her story and her characters and for that I'm truly grateful.

This is a tale woven like a spectacular tapestry, one that will make you cringe, laugh, and cry as you experience life through one of the most famous female characters in history. I could not put this book down once I started it it was so good and since I've finished it I've gone back and re-read the last half several times just to make sure I had everything figured out.

This is a book you will not want to miss. With a strong female character and a unique voice Rachael Pruitt is an author to watch out for. I for one cannot wait until the next book comes out (I hope it's soon!) because I'm going crazy wanting to lose myself in Gwen's world again and reconnect with her and her Uncle Merlin. This was an excellent start to what I think will be a promising series.

I would recommend this book to everyone because it's so well written and though it does have some minor aspects of fantasy (minor compared to true fantasy novels) and historical fiction I don't feel it will alienate readers in the slightest because Gwen's character is so likable. I think the mix of the two is done in a tasteful way and in away that the book will be accessible to almost all readers. I hope  if you do buy it that you drop me a line and tell me what you think!

*I recieved a  free copy of this book for my FREE and HONEST review.

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Awesome, I loved it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

*[Book Feature&Giveaway] The Blood Moon Chronicles by June Spears

Summary:

Three young warriors, one of them with royal blood, will be born into the human race as natural enemies. They must overcome their differences to unite and bring light back into darkness. For there is no light without darkness, and there is no darkness without light.
However, victory does not come without a price.
Summary and photo provided by Bewitching Blog Tours
Length: 127 pages
ASIN: B008H4OGBA
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Short Excerpt The Blood Moon Chronicles

A raven-haired teenager sat there, carefree , on the warm damp sand. She stared off across the water, her back to the forest. To the casual observer, she’d seem like a normal teenage girl.

To Everit, however, she was a rare diamond waiting to be polished.

The wind caressed her skin sending her hair blowing with its breeze, the scent of roses engulfed the forest. Everit closed his eyes and let the scent of her take him to a faraway place. He imagined her in a magical field, and the only thing that covered her were the black and red rose petals that fell all around her beautiful body. Her simple beauty was unlike anything he had seen in all his years.

Her body tensed, about to turn, so he dashed into the woods. He could not show himself to her. Not now. Not like this.

He was sent here to plant his seed, to fulfill the prophecy of the Dark Islands. He had not planned on falling in love, but the connection he felt was too strong to ignore. The imprint she left on his heart was stronger than his desire to remain indifferent could sustain.

Everit had watched her for weeks now. He knew his feelings for her complicated things, but he knew what he was sent here for. He could not fail his people. Loving her made leaving her behind that much harder.

He made an oath to himself to find a way to protect her at a distance, even if it meant his own death. 

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, June E Spears had spent her early years writing mostly poems and school songs. However, she could not escape the allure of storytelling and quickly began studying to become a novelist. She began by reading every chance she had. Mostly Fantasy and Romance novels, June's love of writing was uncontrollable. Once she began typing, she never stopped.


June is best known for her Fantasy Novelette Series "The Blood Moon Chronicles". She is a single mother to her only daughter Isabella Rose.

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When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen

Summary:

After seventeen-year-old Felicita’s dearest friend, Ilven, kills herself to escape an arranged marriage, Felicita chooses freedom over privilege. She fakes her own death and leaves her sheltered life as one of Pelimburg’s magical elite behind. Living in the slums, scrubbing dishes for a living, she falls for charismatic Dash while also becoming fascinated with vampire Jannik. Then something shocking washes up on the beach: Ilven's death has called out of the sea a dangerous, wild magic. Felicita must decide whether her loyalties lie with the family she abandoned . . . or with those who would twist this dark power to destroy Pelimburg's caste system, and the whole city along with it. 

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 296 pages (Hardcover)

Source: Toronto Public Library

Publication Date: February 28th 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)         

This was the other book that I read during my Goodreads group's read-a-thon and it was by far my favourite read during it! I was incredibly drawn to the book for the cover, it's a little creepy but it's really awesome too, and it's one that I would love to have as a poster.

The story itself was extremely well written. I don't generally read fantasy novels that aren't set on regular old planet earth but this is one that was more out there in terms of the whole world building thing. Yes it takes place on earth but it's a fantastical Earth.

I really enjoyed the way that the author laid the whole story out. The novel had bits of mystery, suspense and fantasy (paranormal) all rolled up into one superbly written novel. Since the book is still relatively new I'm going to try and refrain from posting any spoilers so I will just be reviewing the book as a whole, rather than ripping it a part in order to review it.

I think that Cat Hellisen is a great new emerging talent in the writing world and she's South African (I'm half South African) and we share the same birthday (May 31st) though we're 13 years apart. I personally think that there are so many South African writers that deserve recognition but because they aren't from the U.S. they often don't get the widespread audience that they should but I'm happy to see that this book was picked up by a major publishing company because it is absolutely worth the read.

Felicita was a great female character who while she was scared, she found an inner strength in the face of the adversity she had to endure. I like how she evolved from a stuck up elitist teenager to one that is more humble even though she had to face the world alone for the most part. Several times during the book I felt sorry for her given the certain circumstances occurring at the time and place in the book.

I think the thing that I liked most about Felicta's story was that her story was very much a coming of age story where a girl makes drastic changes by abandoning her previous life, going through the regular teenage things such as love, and betrayal as well as some few not so regular teenage things as well.

This book was a fantastic fantasy read with a great female character who while she had moments where I wanted to shake her and say "NO DON'T DO THAT" I really liked her and the saddest part for me in finishing the book was that it's a stand alone as far as I know, which sucks since the way Cat finished the book left it open ended for a sequel (If you are Cat Hellisen and you're reading this PLEASE bring Felicita back).  As I said before, the author has an incredible gift for writing and I hope that she continues writing because she may just have a life long fan over here and even though I already read the book I'm going to be buying myself a copy of it just so I can re-read it. It was that damn good.

I would have no problem recommending this book to anyone, but I think that if you really like YA Fantasy novels that this one should be put on your TBR lists. The story is great, the plot is intriguing and the characters are interesting. I for one am but this on my top 100 favourite books list and it's one of my favourites this year.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A Must Read!

 

The Talisman Volume One: The Road of Trials by Stephen King and Peter Straub

Summary:
The spellbinding saga of The Talisman is now a stunning graphic novel, vividly illustrated by artist Tony Shasteen. Here’s a bold new look at the classic tale of treachery and betrayal that could only have sprung from the imaginations of master storytellers Stephen King and Peter Straub.

In a run-down amusement park on a desolate beach in New Hampshire, thirteen-year-old Jack Sawyer is about to learn some hard truths—about his father’s death, about why he and his mother are on the run from his sinister uncle Morgan, and about the real nature of the mysterious realm Jack once called the Daydreams. Now, with help from his newfound friend Speedy Parker, this young man will reclaim his identity as Travellin Jack and make his first foray back into the Territories to retrieve the magical Talisman, an object of immense cosmic significance. Yet even more important to Jack, the Talisman holds the key to saving his mother’s life. In the Terrorities, where monsters lurk, evil watches, and an unbelievably precious prize awaits, Jack embarks upon a desperate quest to fulfill a destiny he never sought but cannot escape.

The Talisman: The Road of Trials comprises Issues 0 through 5 of the thrilling comic book series and features original, never-before-seen material, including interviews and early sketches. Be warned: Once you’ve seen the Talisman, nothing will ever be the same.
Summary taken from GoodReads.com
Length: 160 pages (hardcover)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Publication Date:  May 4th 2010

WHY did I do this to myself?
WHY did the first graphic novel of the year have to be such a bad apple?
Now I've heard that this is a graphic novel that you don't have to have read the original novel version of first before you read this. I liked that because I'm not a fan of Stephen King at all. However even that fact could not get me to like this graphic novel.

The only positive thing that I do have to say about it is that the artwork was fabulous. It was drawn beautifully, the colours were amazing and the artist did a great job with the characters and the scenes.

I did not like how the novel was adapted. Yes I obviously know I didn't read the bovel but I've read enough graphic novels to know that this one was poorly adapted. For one everything was oddly placed it was as though who ever adapted it for this format just threw random lines on the pages and often times the lines were unimportant and made it feel as if there were big GIGANTIC plot and character holes. It was ridiculous! By the end of the book I was lost because the text was lacking so much I barely knew what was going on and it upset me. I hate not knowing what's going on but I have to face facts this book just wasn't for me and I would never recommend it to anyone in a million years I hated it so much.

★

Tyger Tyger Goblin Wars Book One by Kersten Hamilton

Summary:
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.
Summary Taken from Goodreads.com

I LOVED THIS BOOK!  It had everything that I want in a book. It has goblins, the fair folk, a little bit of romance, suspense, comedy and a teenage heroine that is NOT a whiney, self-absorbed brat! I applaud the author Kersten Hamilton on her first YA novel which in my humble opinion is a great start to a promising career in this genre and I wish her the greatest success.

I adored the characters; I appreciate how she took time to make them seem “real”.  I also enjoyed the interaction between them all. The only character I didn’t like was the bad guy. My favourite character was Aiden, he’s such a sweetie. I wish he were a real person because I’d smother him in hugs.

I appreciated that Hamilton took her time building the characters, the plot and the settings because it was easy to follow along. She gave just the right amount of attention to detail without going overboard. Well, except in one instance where she went into graphic detail about Teagan (the heroine) drooling and having snot on the back of her love interests shirt. *SHUDDER* I can handle blood and gore but snot and drool count me out! 

Anyways, back to the story.  Teagan is an animal lover who wants to go to Cornell and won’t let anything get in the way of those plans.  Especially not a boy. That is until her cousin Finn comes to live with them. He isn’t her blood cousin (thank goodness) but he does make her teenage heart go pitter patter.  Finn is the son of Teagan’s mother Aileen’s “brother”.  Finn is an Irish Traveler who has been on his own since he was 12 years old. 

Not long after Finn comes to stay with Teagan’s family he helps defend a friend of the family, A boy named Lennie who is a 6 year old trapped in the body of an 18 year old.  That night Lennie’s mother come over to thank Finn and makes the family dinner, while this is happening Aileen is struck with inspiration for a book (she’s a writer and illustrator or children’s books). She grabs a pen and begins writing down her idea when Aiden spots a “shadow man” reach over and touch his mother. No one thinks too much of this except Finn, who decides to run away.

The next day Aileen feels ill and gets sent to the hospital, where she slips into a coma and dies three days later.  A few months go by and nothing happens. Until one day when her father fails to show up for a meeting with a social worker. She goes looking for him with Aiden and Finn shoes up out of the blue looking even more rugged than before.

They find their way into Mag Mell an alternate dimension. This is where the real action lays and since I don’t want to give too much more of the book away let me say that this is where the Cat Sidhe, Sprites, Goblins and the Fair Folk come into play.

So we follow the trio Aiden, Finn and Teagan as they fight to get her father back from the villain’s evil clutches. After a startling revelation Teagan learns about her mother’s past and her future. .. This book is filled with twists and turns. Its action packed and in my opinion one of the best books I have read all year and in my opinion one of the best books I have read all year. I cannot wait for my copy of the second book in the series to come in at the library. This is one author to look out for in the future which is why I gave this book 5 stars.

I highly recommend this book to anyone at all. I think it will be a favourite of those who like YA fantasy novels and Irish folklore. GO READ THIS BOOK!