Tag Archives: Song of the Current

Monthly Wrap-Up: July 2017

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July 2017 Monthly Wrap-UpThe summertime always flies by, but July 2017 seemed like an especially busy month. My girl participated in a local theater production of The Lion King, which was loads of fun, and our fantastic new contributor, Gabrielle, posted her first review, The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber.

In other big news, a new little reader will be joining my family this winter. Yep. In about five more months, my girl, who has been a solo kid her whole life, will become a big sister. We’re all excited and busy busy with the changes it will bring to our family.

Unfortunately, that means slowing down my blogging a little bit. If you’ve been to the review request pages, you’ve probably already noticed I’m not accepting new review requests at this time. I’ve got plenty of books to keep me busy through the fall, so I’ll continue to post reviews, but I don’t feel comfortable making commitments to authors and publishers when I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep them.

Had your own busy summer schedule? Here are the books you may have missed. Check them out and see if you can’t squeeze in a few more summer reading titles!

July 2017 Middle Grade and Young Adult Book Reviews

Frog Princess Returns by E. D. Baker

Review | Amazon | Goodread

Emma’s back to save her kingdom from another unknown threat. A quick, fun read, perfect for summer.

The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle calls this book a bold approach to heavy topics and unique in its plot. As a Mary Weber fan myself, I’m excited to have this one on my own reading list.

Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Loved the imaginative storyworld and the sailing elements of this story. Caro had me from the getgo, and I could not wait to see how the situation with her secret cargo played out. One of my favorite summer reads so far.

Day Moon by Brett Armstrong

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Another unusual read. I liked the sci-fi elements and the use of Shakespeare (the first of two novels I read this month which used clues from Shakespeare to solve a mystery) as clues Elliot’s grandfather left him.

 

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

I’d been waiting for this book for a whole year, and I was not disappointed in any aspect of it. The full cast of characters from Ink and Bone return to fight against the powerful Library. I couldn’t stop turning pages, and I already can’t wait for the next installment!

The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

The writing in this book was so good I could have eaten it with a spoon. I loved the protagonist and the way the author created a mystery around the works of Shakespeare.

Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Gabrielle gave this book 5 out of 5 stars, so you know it’s got to be good. I’m a huge sucker for blends of historical and magic or fantasy, so this sounds like a win to me, too!

What Goes Up by Katie Kennedy

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Funniest book I’ve read this summer, easily. I enjoyed the quirky dialogue and fun characters. Enough science to satisfy, plenty of humor to entertain.

The Song From Somewhere Else by A. F. Harrold

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

Probably the most unexpected story I’ve read this summer. Reminded me a little bit of Roald Dahl in its dark-ish feel and fantastic, unusual characters.

We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan

Review | Amazon | Goodreads

If you’re a fan of Ellen Hopkins, you definitely want to check out this book. It’s angsty and packed with emotion, forbidden love, and social issues.

What have you been reading?

How’s your summer reading going? Read anything awesome? Leave me a comment! I’d love to know.

Review: Song of the Current by Sarah Tolcser

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Song of the Current
Sarah Tolcser
Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Published June 6, 2017

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

About Song of the Current
Caroline Oresteia is destined for the river. For generations, her family has been called by the river god, who has guided their wherries on countless voyages throughout the Riverlands. At seventeen, Caro has spent years listening to the water, ready to meet her fate. But the river god hasn’t spoken her name yet—and if he hasn’t by now, there’s a chance he never will.

Caro decides to take her future into her own hands when her father is arrested for refusing to transport a mysterious crate. By agreeing to deliver it in exchange for his release, Caro finds herself caught in a web of politics and lies, with dangerous pirates after the cargo—an arrogant courier with a secret—and without the river god to help her. With so much at stake, Caro must choose between the life she always wanted and the one she never could have imagined for herself.

My Review
The writing in this story hooked me right from page one. I fell instantly in love with Caro and ached with her over her fears about being overlooked by the god of the river. Her unexpected passenger made me laugh (though he mostly made Caro roll her eyes), and I spent pages and pages eagerly hoping for more than just angry sparks between them. Even the minor characters seemed to pop right off the page.

I loved the story world, too. It reminded me a little bit of The African Queen (the movie with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn where they run a dangerous course down the river to escape the Nazis) but with a fantasy spin and gender roles reversed.

The plot started off strong and only got better. Every time I thought the stakes couldn’t possibly get higher, Tolcser proved me wrong by adding some new twist.

The only hiccup for me was the way romance is portrayed in the story. It’s not that I don’t believe casual relationships or unconventional relationships exist. I guess I find them unsatisfying to read about. I’m a sucker for a true love tale, and I can’t seem to help it.

Overall, though, this is a great summer read for fantasy lovers looking for a sailing adventure. (Trish Doller, all the sailing references made me think of you and our conversation at ApollyCon! I’m still hoping to see your sailing novel in print one day!)

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Cultural Elements
Caro is of mixed race, with bronze skin and fiery red hair, an unusual combination. Her sailing companion is one of the Frogmen, a race said to be part river god, part human. She has large eyes and a wide, frog-like mouth as well as green skin. Some cultures treat Frogmen as slaves. Caro and her family consider them equals.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Moderate profanity used infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Some kissing. Late in the story, Caro takes a lover (a young man) to bed with her. They begin undressing each other, and it’s implied they have sex. She makes it clear she’s comfortable with a casual relationship and doesn’t want to commit to any future with him.

Spiritual Content
Lots of references to various gods and their roles in human life. Caro’s family has had a long relationship with the god under the river, who speaks to them in small things. Caro has been waiting for a connection with the god for her whole life. Other gods exist as well, some more powerful or capricious than others.

Violent Content
A group of soldiers beat a young man. References to torture (Caro doesn’t witness it.) Battles between Caro’s allies and enemies. Not a lot of gore, though.

Drug Content
Caro and her companion drink wine and liquor.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.