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Review: A Heart So Fierce and Broken by Brigid Kemmerer

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

A Heart So Fierce and Broken (Cursebreakers #2)
Brigid Kemmerer
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published January 7, 2020

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About A Heart So Fierce and Broken

Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.

Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen–until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?

The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.

My Review

I’m still pretty over the moon to have had a chance to read this book before its release date. Thanks, Bloomsbury! You’re the best!

I’d read some other reviews of the book early on that made me a little worried about reading A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN. Mostly, I worried that Rhen would end up being painted as this unlikeable character, and I just really like him, okay?! I didn’t want to lose my ability to like him.

No spoilers, though, so I won’t say more than this: I definitely felt my Team Rhen spirit challenged at times. But at the end of the day, I didn’t find this book to be one that forces you to choose between them. That’s certainly not what Grey wants, anyhow.

So, the real story: did I love it? YES. I loved falling back into the story world. I loved the return of characters from A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY. The new characters took a little getting used to– I wasn’t sure if they were going to trample my old loyalties or make me fall in love with them. I do have some new favorites. (Iisak, for instance.)

One of the things I’ve seen discussed a lot with this book is the very feminist rule of Karis Luran and her people. I liked that there were some conversations between Grey and Lia Mara about gender roles and equality, courtesy and independence. The story explored those ideas in a really natural way and showed that a man can be both courteous toward a woman and respect her as an equal.

I also loved the message that cruelty and strength aren’t the only kind of power. We see it in Emberfall as Rhen wrestles to bring his people back to faith in his rule. We see it as Lia Mara wrestles with her own value, because she’s been taught to believe that her mother’s way– cruelty and strength– are the only way to rule over others, and Lia Mara isn’t good at those things. She has the opportunity to appreciate and value her gifting as a strategist, and her strength of will and determination, even if her family or her people never appreciate those things.

While A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN does continue the story of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY, it doesn’t continue with a new re-imagined fairy tale (which is fine… just pointing out the difference). It does leave plenty of room for a third book and lots more adventure with characters I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

If you like strong female characters and strong heroes, definitely add A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN to your list. It reminded me a bit of GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson (who wrote a __ of __ and ___ title back before it was cool, I might add.)

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Harper’s brother is gay and in a relationship with a young black doctor. Harper has Cerebral Palsy.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently (usually by Harper’s brother).

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Some references to sex.

Spiritual Content
Some characters have the ability to use magic.

Violent Content
Situations of peril and torture (whipping). Characters witness others being killed or wounded. Some brief graphic descriptions.

Drug Content
Some characters drink alcohol and say or do things they wouldn’t otherwise do.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of A HEART SO FIERCE AND BROKEN in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Princess Who Flew with Dragons by Stephanie Burgis

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Clean Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

The Princess Who Flew with Dragons (Tales of the Chocolate Heart #3)
Stephanie Burgis
Bloomsbury USA Kids
Published November 5, 2019

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About The Princess Who Flew with Dragons

Princess Sofia of Drachenheim is sick of being used for her older sister’s political gains. At twelve years old, she’s already been a hostage to invading dragons and a promised future fiancé to a wicked fairy. Her only comfort lies in writing letters to her pen pal and best friend–Jasper, a young dragon whom she’s never even met.

When Sofia’s older sister sends her on a diplomatic mission to far-off Villenne, she’s meant to play the part of a charming, smiling princess. But when an accident leads to her exile from the city, Sofia is free to wander as she pleases for the first time in her life. And when Jasper’s food-mage sister Aventurine turns him into a human boy, Sofia thinks life can’t get any better. Until… the legendary ice giants of the north attack, trying to reclaim the territory that they lost centuries ago. With the dragons and royals frozen in ice, can Sofia and Jasper save their families and kingdom?

Another enchanting and strong-hearted fantasy, set in the same world as The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart and The Girl with the Dragon Heart.

My Review

THE PRINCESS WHO FLEW WITH DRAGONS is the third book in the series that began with THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART. All three have been amazing stories– packed with so many positive messages and heart that I can’t stop recommending them to others.

All three books feature strong heroines who feel isolated from others and face circumstances that force them to learn how to trust others and be a good friend. Some moments are silly and lighthearted, giving the books a sense of fun and keeping them upbeat. Each girl faces high stakes, so the story also packs a great pace and lots of adventure.

I also really like that each girl has a special talent that helps her in sometimes unexpected ways. In book one, Aventurine has a talent for making chocolate. In book two, Silke is a storyteller. Book three’s heroine loves philosophy.

Sofia’s love of philosophy at first seems to set her against her family and be an obstacle she may have to overcome, but Sofia soon realizes that her ability to break things down into philosophical questions gives her an advantage against her enemies.

I feel like I could go on and on about this series. I love these books. I love the excellent blend of fun and adventure coupled with lessons about relationships and having confidence in your talents. I highly recommend all three books.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
The whole story contains a lot of messages about how fear of others and isolationism cause harm and hurt to a lot of people. Over and over characters learn that we need one another, and that differences can be needed assets.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
The story contains fantasy characters (like dragons, goblins, etc.) and the use of magic.

Violent Content
Some brief battle scenes using magic between ice giants and Sofia’s allies. Situations of peril, but nothing gory or graphic.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of THE PRINCESS WHO FLEW WITH DRAGONS in exchange for my honest review.

Review: The Changeling King by Ethan Aldridge

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,

The Changeling King (Estranged #2)
Ethan Aldridge
HarperCollins
Published October 1, 2019

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About The Changeling King

Enter a world of faerie magic and epic adventure in this spellbinding sequel to Estranged—a rich fantasy graphic novel perfect for fans of Amulet.

After years of pretending to be human, the changeling Edmund Carter has assumed his rightful role as Cinder, king of the World Below. But not everyone at the royal palace is happy about his return.

Meanwhile, Ed is adjusting to human life in the World Above. His birth family treats him with a kindness he never knew growing up in the Fay court, but Ed misses the sense of purpose he had as a knight.

When a mysterious new threat emerges in the World Below, Cinder must call on Ed and their older sister, Alexis, for help. But nothing can prepare them for the family secret that awaits at the end of their perilous quest.

With over two hundred pages of gorgeous watercolor paintings, The Changeling King invites readers on an epic journey through a magical world—one they will not soon forget.

My Review

THE CHANGELING KING is the first graphic novel that I think I’ve ever read. I’m not 100% sure, but I think so. I’d been meaning to try out graphic novels but always talked myself out of them because I hadn’t seen one that looked irresistably good.

Until now, apparently. Ha! Actually, what happened was that I got a finished copy in the mail from Wunderkind PR, and I figured the time had come for me to actually give graphic novels a try.

And I’m so glad I did. I had so much fun reading THE CHANGELING KING. Like, giggling and gasping out loud and turning pages like eating candy. I love how much personality each character has simply through the artwork and dialogue.

The story moved quickly, but paused at all the right moments. I enjoyed the balance between the dangerous adventure and the positive elements of family and friends. Also the blushing. Ha! So much cute blushing. Definitely a win for me. I’m not giggling– you’re giggling.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Cinder and another boy are gay. Some races of Fay discriminate against other races.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Some hugging and blushing and interest between two boys.

Spiritual Content
Magic can only be restored with a price.

Violent Content
Some battle situations – no graphic gore or anything.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of THE CHANGELING KING in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Bugs in Danger: Our Vanishing Bees, Butterflies, and Beetles by Mark Kurlansky

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Middle Grade 8-12, Nonfiction, , , , , , ,

Bugs in Danger: Our Vanishing Bees, Butterflies, and Beetles
Mark Kurlansky
Bloomsbury USA Kids
Published November 12, 2019

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About Bugs in Danger: Our Vanishing Bees, Butterflies, and Beetles

By now you’ve probably heard that bees are disappearing–but they aren’t the only species at risk. Populations of fireflies, butterflies, and ladybugs have all been declining in recent years, too. This middle grade nonfiction explains the growth, spread, and recent declines of each of these four types of insects.

Exploring human causes, like the Baltimore electric company that collected fireflies to attempt to harness their phosphorescent lighting source, to natural occurrences, like the mysterious colony collapse disorder that plagues bee populations, master nonfiction storyteller Mark Kurlansky shows just how much bugs matter to our world.

My Review

You may have heard some talk about the disappearing bee population (I think I saw a TED Talk about it recently, and I feel like I’ve seen it mentioned in the news, too.), but maybe you didn’t realize that the problem extends to other types of insects, too. Certainly, I didn’t. I also didn’t realize that beetles are responsible for pollinating so many species of plants, either! I guess I had never really thought about it?

BUGS IN DANGER is easy to read, informative, and engaging. It’s a great introduction to insects for people who know almost nothing (like me!) and provides a great overview to how these animals play critical roles in the world. I think it would make a great classroom resource or even a great research source for someone doing a science project about bees, beetles, or butterflies.

Overall, I really recommend reading BUGS IN DANGER. It’s a pretty quick read and a great starting point for understanding how important bees, beetles, and butterflies are to our environment.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 10 up.

Representation
Just bugs!

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of BUGS IN DANGER in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Not if I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Clean Fiction, Contemporary, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , ,

Not If I Can Help It
Carolyn Mackler
Scholastic Press
July 30, 2019

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About Not If I Can Help It

Willa likes certain things to be certain ways. Her socks have to be soft . . . and definitely can’t have irritating tags on the inside. She loves the crunch of popcorn and nachos . . . but is grossed out by the crunch of a baby carrot. And slimy foods? Those are the worst.

Willa can manage all these things — but there are some things she can’t deal with, like her father’s big news. He’s been keeping a big secret from her . . . that he’s been dating the mom of Willa’s best friend Ruby. Willa does NOT like the idea of them being together. And she does NOT like the idea of combining families. And she does NOT like the idea of her best friend becoming her sister overnight. Will she go along with all of these changes? NOT if she can help it!

My Review

Just when I needed a spunky heroine in my life, I found Willa in NOT IF I CAN HELP IT. She has fierce opinions and specific ideas about how she wants things to go. Some of these things are related to her Sensory Processing Disorder, like her needs for clothes to fit a certain way and feel a certain way, but others are simply her own personal preference, like where she wants to go to school next year, and who her dad happens to be dating.

After her dad and her best friend Ruby’s mom announce that they’re dating, Willa realizes she and Ruby aren’t on the same page about it. This begins a big challenge to their relationship and a challenge to Willa’s way of looking at things. She begins to learn that situations and relationships don’t a;ways look the same from other people’s points of view.

For me, that process is precisely what makes this book amazing. Willa navigates that tug-of-war between her own preferences and needs and those of the other important people in her life, mainly her dad and her best friend. She remains a fierce person, fiercely committed to her way of thinking, but also fiercely committed to the people she loves, which makes her all the more lovable and amazing.

NOT IF I CAN HELP IT makes a great read for kids navigating transitions to blended families in their own lives or helping them develop empathy and understanding for the transition in the lives of people close to them. It’s also a great pick for encouraging understanding and empathy toward children with sensory issues. I highly recommend it.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 up.

Representation
Willa has Sensory Processing Disorder. Another character battles anxiety. Willa’s best friend, Ruby in Indian-American. One minor character is gay.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of NOT IF I CAN HELP IT in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , , ,

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2)
Laini Taylor
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published November 6, 2012

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

About Days of Blood and Starlight

Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.

This is not that world.

Art student and monster’s apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE, Karou must decide how far she’ll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My Review

I’m rereading the DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE series for the second time, and I’m amazed at the things I picked up on in my second read of DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT that I missed the first time through.

While the first book really focuses on the human world and Karou’s life in it, DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT focuses on some memories of her past and also shows a lot more about what Akiva’s life looks like as a soldier under his father’s command. Leroz, his half-sister, has always been one of my favorite characters for her prickly exterior and fierce loyalty. This time I noticed a lot more of the hints at softness and fear under her warrior armor.

Like lots of second books in a trilogy, this book feels a lot more like a bridge than a destination. I didn’t mind that, though. It’s like it takes everything hinted at in the first book and peels back the layers to reveal a rich, complex world where Karou is only just realizing she can belong.

And the theme of hope versus hate is so powerful. Even though there’s a lot of violence, there’s always this undercurrent of wanting things to be different, to remake the world, which is such a compelling idea. And it’s beautifully conveyed in Laini Taylor’s writing.

If you’re new to this series, check out my review of the first book, DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE. If you liked The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta or STRANGE THE DREAMER by Laini Taylor, you’ll want to add this series to your reading list.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 16 up.

Representation
Most characters are chimaera or angels.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
References to sex.

Spiritual Content
The monsters Karou sketches are chimaera from another world which also includes angels– which look like humans with fiery wings. Each of those groups has myths about their creation and worships gods and goddesses.

Karou receives wishes in payment for running errands. They can only be used for small things, like wishing an itch on someone or something like that. Larger wishes are available.

Violent Content
Some descriptions of battle or fighting and situations of peril. References to war. References to some grisly murders and mutilation of bodies. Some references to torture.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.