♠ Splintered: ♥ Review ♦ Discussion ♣

Title: Splintered
Author: AG Howard
Publisher: Amulet Books
Publication Date: January 1, 2013
Source: Brandy ♣ eGalley from NetGalley & Bought; Malissa ♠ Bought
Format: eBook & Hardcover via Amazon
Rating: Brandy ♣ 5 stars ♥ Malissa ♠ 5 stars

~ The Scoop from Goodreads ~

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.

When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

 

 Thoughts before even starting. I know we both liked the cover of this one before even knowing if it was supposed to be any good. I can't help it, it just looks ... wild! But I opened my copy last night, and wow! It's printed in this purplish ink. So cool. And sure, that doesn't add to the actual story, but it adds atmosphere and a sense of mystery somehow. I love it! (as an aside, this us one of those moments when print trumps my kindle) 

I do love the cover. Beautiful, eye catching, wild is such a good description. I'm quite jealous of u rt now. Maybe I'll order it now. 

I just finished my lunch break and am on page 68.

My thoughts thus far:

I oddly like the connection between Alyssa getting her first period and whatever is going on starting. I don't know why. Not the period itself (gross) but the idea that she's somehow grown up based on both those things. Again, not sure why.

Oh how I hate intentionally, hurtful oblivious parents! I wasn't sure at first how much I was going to like her dad. I like him better now. He's obviously love, dedicated to mom, etc. But a bit slow, is he not?

This book doesn't pull any punches about jumping into the action, does it? Wow. I like that.

Can she write chemistry or what? The connection between Alyssa and Jeb is palpable. I always feel alittle weird thinking that in YA books for some reason. Do you get that at all?

I'm trying to decide if the Alice references are awesome or over the top.  Allison in a blue dress and apron. Twin hulking gardeners. Underland. Butterfly Threads (where Alyssa works), etc. I think I'm liking it, but I really hope the story lives up to the dramatic setup.

I think I'll end up ordering a copy of it.But so far I'm liking Splintered enough I could see wanting to own it.

I like her wannabe snarkiness - like with the nurse, when she didn't say what she wanted to say about having the crutches but instead was nice and answered as a 'good girl' should.

I do like the connection between first period and hearing the voices as well. It gives it a good starting point, a place of expectation, and makes it more believable. Of course, the backstory about her mom helps with that too. I loved how it started out kind of creepy... her killing bugs. I mean, makes total sense. I'd probably kill them too if they were whispering sweet nothings in my ear, but man it came off dark. I loved it.

Her dad does seem pretty oblivious, doesn't he? I'm not all that far into it (I think I finished Ch 3 at the dr's office... I don't know if you got that email or not) but I get that, definitely.

And OH MY GOODNESS, YES! she can write chemistry. I seriously re-read the scene with her and Jeb in Gizmo (which I *love* the 80's movie reference, btw) because it was *that* good. And yes, I do feel a little odd saying/thinking that when it comes to YA novels. I think that's why some adults balk at the idea of reading them - it may make them feel like a creeper to an extent... I mean, the romances in them are not "adult" romances, and the characters are not adult, so it should seem weird falling in love with a character in a YA book, shouldn't it? As an adult? I think I'm reading too much into it. Then there's also the fact that most are written by adults... so what does that say? Hmm... let's forget this entire aside... lol  I am very curious to see where that relationship goes.

I think I like the Alice references. So far at least. I mean, it makes sense to me that they're there, they don't seem out of place at all. Yet. lol

Agreed on the darkness. It reminds me a bit of Holly Black's books. And a bit of Maggie Stiefvater's.

Yes!  Well, yes, on the Maggie. I haven't read any Holly Black (please don't throw things at me)...

Lol. I won't. I promise. Hers are a bit darker and less funny than Maggie's (imo) but are similarly themed. Also Brenna Yovanoff, especially the replacement. Notice how these comparisons are all books/authors we like :)

I'm somewhere in Chapter 5. I am really liking it, I can't lie. But I'm wondering if it would make any difference in my reading if I had ever actually read Alice in Wonderland. I mean, it's on my shelf at home but I've just never read it.

Nearly done with chapter 7. I am really liking it, and I think she did a good job building from the original. Which I have read. I had read Alice before & read it & Lookinglass before seeing the new movie. I think if you've seen the Disney version & the new one, you have all the background you need. Though it might make you *want* to read it ;)

Next email:
I'm ready for Chapter 10 (over a third but not quite half). I didn't get any time to read at all today. Boo. Still liking it. Still liking her retelling of Wonderland. Still liking Alyssa and Jeb. Really disliking another character you may or may not have encountered yet. Someone hinted at early on ... That individual is going to make me angry, I suspect. 

Later...
I'm *nearly* done with splinter. Nearly.

I am not *nearly* anywhere *near* done with Splintered. 38% according to my Kindle. People here apparently do not see fit to let you read at lunch. ;)

I'm going to write up my review in an email when I'm done, but wait for updates etc from you so we can still discuss. It's odd me being ahead for once, lol. Usually you're waiting for my slow butt ;)

Malissa finished so much sooner than I did. I text her with "WHAT?" and "WHY?", but mostly we stopped discussion once she finished. I really am a freak when it comes to no spoilers. lol  But she knows that and one response said something along the lines of "... mysterious silence ..."  So, here's some final thoughts.

 

I was between 4 & 5 stars most of the way through this book just because A. I love retellings/takes on classics and have read a lot, and this isn't *quite* at the brilliance level of say Gregory Maguire's Wicked and B. I wasn't totally sucked into this until the end. I was engaged, but not absorbed. To be fair, I've had a LOT going on to distract me lately, but I still think a Fantastic book (capital intended) like, say, Code Name Verity would suck me in even on a burning plane in a downward spiral. But in the end I'm going with 5, and here's why:

Atmosphere. This book has great atmosphere that's very reminiscent of both Carroll's original vision and Tim Burton's Alice take (both men are credited at the back of the book) with a fun and believable modern, urban fantasy type twist that works.

Originality. There were times I wondered how much Howard borrowed from the new Alice movie (the importance of the vorpol sword, the bandersnatch as a 'pet' of the red court) but upon further research (read googling) I discovered that others have built on these for years. This book stays close enough to the original Alice for the storyline to work while changing it enough to feel fresh and more grown up. And like Burton's movie, it's a sequel more than a retelling, though that definitely happens some too. In a very clever way.

Characters. This book is definitely plot and action driven, no apologies for that, but it does have characters that I waffled between love and hate for which makes a difference for me as a reader. Flat characters can ruin the best story, and if these didn't truly change much from beginning to end, they had enough dimension to be quite interesting.

Chemistry. Wow. Howard can write chemistry. It sizzles off the pages at points. And while nothing 'happens' in the story (we librarians can safely tell parents that this book is pretty darn clean in terms of language and sex) it sure *feels* hot! Teens will LOVE this couple. Heck. *I* love them.

The ending. How many good books have you read where the ending fizzles or just flat out stinks? Lots right? This one actually kinda rocks in my opinion. I was talking out loud, rushing through pages, and possibly tearing up (though I won't admit it again ...). And it was satisfying, not *too* easy, and believable. That's what bumped me from 4 to 5 stars.

I'm not going to say I'd give this book to every reader. Some adult readers will no doubt find it too dramatic and short on depth, but it's a great YA book with lots of actual teen appeal. And I'm glad to put it on my shelf with my copy of the original Alice.

I *hate* how long this took for me to finish. Seriously. It wasn't the book's fault, but man. I really wanted to know how it all ended, yet I didn't want to know because I really didn't want it to end. Before I was even finished I wanted to go back to the beginning and read it all over. I wanted Alyssa to realize her dreams, wishes, but at the same time I was anxious because as dark, terrifying, and confusing as the world was, I didn't want to leave it yet.

I really liked that it wasn't just a retelling, but that it happens later, down the ancestral line. I think that made it more interesting for me. I don't know if it's because I've never read the original (own, never read. Sad... but true story) or if I would feel that way even if. We shall never know.

The writing. Oh, the writing. Descriptions galore. I loved how Wonderland seemed so beautifully dark. I'm not sure I have ever been so captivated by a place in a book. I definitely want more of that.

I also want more of AG Howard's chemistry. It was palpable, visceral. I sincerely went back and read parts just to feel it all over again. The characters were flawed, real. They had attachments for one another that were 100% believable. I'm not sure what will happen in the future, but as of now, I'm totally down for Jeb and Alyssa. The tension, the chemistry, the unconditional love... I can't wait to see what Howard does with it all.

But nothing is ever black and white. I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate that Howard has me questioning my utter dislike of a certain character. We shall see how the story progresses in Unhinged, but I'm hoping my dislike can continue. :)  Speaking of continuing... in order to continue this one must end, right? Of course. And the ending to this one? Superbly done. It was plausible, believable, sad, heartwarming, and made me angry all at the same time.

I would recommend this book to lots of people, whether they are a fan of Carroll's Wonderland or not, and especially if they like dark fantasy.

Have you read it? Want to read it? Share your thoughts, if you would. :)

Smiles,
B & M

Review ~ Prophecy of the Sisters ~ Discussion

Title: Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Series: Prophecy of the Sisters #1
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 2009
Source: Own (Bought at a used bookstore)
Format: Hardcover
Rating: Brandy: 3 stars /Malissa: 3 stars

~Scoop from Goodreads~

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.

 

Once again, Malissa and I decided to read a book together. Since we're making a habit out of this (yes, two books together is now considered a habit... ;) ), we may just try to review all of them together discussion style on here. :) There are pitfalls, of course, to reading a book together. For some odd reason we can never seem to pace it just right and be on the same page. Also, there's the risk of our discussion leading to spoilers. Those I will leave out as long as it is humanly possible. 

Malissa

I'm still not super far in Prophecy (maybe chapter 4) but I'm enjoying it for sure. Too early to say if it will be a like or a love, but I'm definitely engaged.   I do see what you mean about Lia easily accepting all the oddity that just happens time and time again. I noticed it (maybe partly because you mentioned it) but don't know if it would have bothered me or seemed strange otherwise. The whole feel that it's all fate makes that kind of believable but it also makes her seem a bit weak and overly accepting of her fate. I'm hoping she grows from the weaker twin that she sees herself as to someone stronger by the end. That could make or break the book for me, I think. And I find myself weirdly bothered by the opposition between Lia and Alice that seems to be growing and being set up. I know it fits the storyline so far, but I just don't want Alice to be the antagonist! The sister in me wants so badly to see them become allies in whatever it is that's going on ... Please, lol? I also like the way the whole family's feminist leaning attitudes exist but aren't a huge point in the story. It's just who they are, and that works for me. 

Brandy

cartoonsource.com

I'm teetering between 2 & 3 stars. Something seemed to be missing for me. A lack of caring for the characters, maybe? I was a little deterred by her finding the mark and not questioning it, of hearing the prophecy and simply accepting it. Oh hey, there's this prophecy about twin sisters and it's hard to understand. But hey, I must be a part of it. Why else would it be in our house? I don't know. It just seemed a little... forced, maybe. Personally if I had some weird tattoo like thing show up on my arm I am thinking I might freak out a little. What was her background on supernatural type things? There didn't appear to be any to me, so why was she so inclined to just believe and not be like "this type of stuff doesn't exist" or question it in some way. I think that's the part I struggled with the most. There were a few other things that seemed thrown in there, but didn't take me completely out of the story.

That aside, I enjoyed the writing itself, if the plot and character development was lacking. I'm not sure whether or not I'll read the next one when it comes. (I ordered thru the library) But I am curious to know how it ends, just not at all on the scale it should be to be waiting waiting waiting for the next one. Maybe I'll skim them. I just wasn't as entangled in the story as I'd like to be. There was too much going on for me to completely suspend belief and fall into it. :(  I'm saddened by this because I like the idea a lot. 


Malissa
Even at not quite done, I'm in complete agreement. If I loved the characters and were totally sucked in, I would probably be OK with the way she accepts it all so easily and chalk it up to "fate." But I find myself not really caring that much. She could give in and the apocalypse could come, and I'd be mildly annoyed. But I wouldn't feel any real loss. So, I kinda feel like "What's the point?" I'll likely end on 3 stars because I don't hate any of it by any means. A teen might like it for a light, casual read. But I wanted more from it. Like you, I loved the idea. I love the way the author takes things that are usually considered occult and evil and makes them just ... exist. Not really good or bad that they do. But it could be sooo much more dramatic and deeper and even darker really. And I have books like Splintered and Seraphina, and The Diviners on my list. Plus that new Printz winner I'd never heard of ;) I want more than "meh." Life is too short for meh, lol. 

Brandy

I'm with you on the not hating it. I don't. Or I wouldn't have finished it, of course. I just don't seem to have the inclination to care enough to find out what happens next. Some parts of the story intrigued me more than others. But mostly I found it to be so-so. "Meh," as you say. :)  I agree. Life is too short for meh. It was definitely missing a wow factor for me. I do hope that in the second book Lia becomes a stronger person. For that matter, I'd like all the characters to be a bit more rounded and to care more about what happens to them.

Malissa
Finally finished the book. Must admit that I don't really care what comes next... at all. I actually skimmed the last few pages. I mean I'd still recommend it to a teen whose tastes it fits with the disclaimer that I didn't love it, but it's not a bad read. I nearly rated two starts based on just my personal enjoyment (if I have to skim to finish, it feels like less than 3 stars to me), but I truly think it's recommendable. But definitely no wow factor. No real caring for Lia or her fate. If we'd gotten a stronger main character to care about, I might feel totally different, but we didn't. She feels so bland to me. No deep hurt at the rift (to put it mildly) between her and her twin sister, no deep anger and feelings of betrayal toward her mother, and no rage over the awful "incident" near the end.  Really? I'd be a hot mess of emotion at *best.* And that equals no desire to read on for me.

Brandy
I haven't thought about the book since I finished it so I'm leaning toward not caring either. I figure if I haven't thought about Lia or Alice and wondered at all then there's no point in reading further. I have more books I want to read more. I definitely agree with her being 'bland.' I think that's a great way to put it. I'm still sad, though. I wanted to like it... I really did.

Let us know what you think. Have you read it? Did you like it if you have? If you haven't read it, do you think you will?

Smiles,

B (& M)

♥ Paper Valentine ♥ Review & Discussion

Title: Paper Valentine

Author: Brenna Yovanoff

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication Date: January 8, 2013

Source: Net Galley

Format: eGalley

Rating: 5 stars (Brandy) 4.5 stars (Malissa)

~Goodreads Description~

The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.

For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.

With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

Paper Valentine is a hauntingly poetic tale of love and death by the New York Times bestselling author of The Replacement and The Space Between.

Since Malissa and I were reading the same book at the same time, we thought we might try a dual review, just for fun, and have it be more like a book discussion. Since we now live hours apart, we were shooting thoughts back and forth via email. Really, we only discussed a little bit before we both finished the book, but I'll include those thoughts here as well. :) But you'll get both our thoughts on it.

Thoughts before finishing:

Malissa
So, I went into this book without any idea what it was about which I don't usually do. I'm sure a read summary or description at some point, but it's been so long that all I knew starting the book was the title and that I liked Brenna Yovanoff's other book I'd read (The Replacement). I think I should do this more often! It really adds a sense of mystery to an already mysterious storyline.

Which brings me to my next point. What genre would you put this in? I know almost nothing (especially in the YA world) fits into a single genre anymore, but I was expecting more straight paranormal/fantasy like The Replacement. Granted, being haunted by the sometimes hostile ghost of your dead best friend is definitely paranormal, but it's not the main storyline? Or is it...? Is it a murder mystery? Will the two combine at some point? Or does the presence of a ghost have nothing to do with a serial killer on the loose? I really have no idea where this book is going at this point (39%), and I like it!

I especially like the characters that Brenna Yovanoff creates. They're real people and never these perfect gorgeous creatures everyone wants to be. And they never have the audacity to sparkle. I also like how when our main character likes a boy, Yovanoff never tells that he's drop dead gorgeous (or even that he's not), she just tells us that Hannah is attracted to him and that's enough. I love that!


Brandy
I am in the same boat - by the time I started it I had forgotten what it was about, I just knew I wanted to read it because it was a Brenna book. :)

I am not sure what genre it would fall under, really. I mean, there's definitely the murder mystery plot and the ghost plot, so I would think it could fall under both of those. Even at 76% I'm not sure exactly what one has to do with the other. and what part Hannah plays in it. I'm not wanting to say too much, here, because I'm not sure what details you have gotten to and I don't want to give anything away.

I am LOVING the world Brenna creates; it's real, yet obviously not due to the supernatural elements to it. The characters are believable, even the dead one. And I do like that no one sparkles.

Thoughts after finishing: 

Malissa
Right now, I'm at a 4.5 on this book. Most of the way through I was pretty close to a 5, but the ending just felt a little rushed to me. At first I also thought it seemed a bit too easy, but upon reflection, I think it was more that it all wrapped up so quickly compared to the slow build of the bulk of the book. I may change my mind depending on how much the book "sticks" with me.

I went into this book with little idea what it was about. I got an ARC from NetGalley a couple of months ago, and I'm sure I read the description at the time, but who can keep track? I've read Brenna Yovanoff's first book The Replacement (and liked it quite a bit), so I was assuming paranormal/fantasy of some kind. In reality, I'd almost call this one more magical realism mixed with murder mystery with a dash of horror (though not really truly scary) plus a dose of romance. Yay for genre mixing!

What I loved: The characters! I loved Hannah (our main character) and Ariel (her little sister) and Finny (the love interest). Oh how I loved Finny! I love that Yovanoff's characters are so imperfect yet so likable. As I told Brandy early on in the book, I love that none of them have the audacity to sparkle! And Hannah really grew and developed as a character during the course of the book. The romance between Hannah and Finny was believable and felt real. There was palpable chemistry but no love at first sight business. I found myself really pulling for them, and was soooo disappointed in Hannah when she doubted him! (did I mention how much I loved Finny?)

I also really liked the atmosphere and pacing of the book. It was creepy but not really scary. The mystery was a lot of fun and the answer wasn't easy to see (at least I didn't see it). The whole thing had a slightly gothic feel to it and the heat wave and dead bird epidemic really helped to set the mood for me.

What I didn't love: OK it was just one thing, but it shaved off half a star which makes me rather sad. The ending came together too fast for me. I think it's because the pace of the actual book is slower (not it a bad way, but in a building of suspense kind of way) and then both storylines (or what I though of as two storylines) wrap up in nearly the same scene. I felt like I needed 15 or 20 more pages to make the resolution really work for me. But maybe that's just me.

Overall a great book. A lot of fun. And a promising book for discussion (teen book club anyone?) An author who just keeps getting better. I'll definitely be picking up Brenna Yovanoff's next book!

Brandy
Since I finished before Malissa, I waited on her response to the book so I didn't ruin anything for her. This is my response to hers. :)

I went back and forth before settling on 5 stars. For the same reason. The ending felt a bit rushed for me as well. But the world she created, the fact that I forgot I was reading most of the time, bumped it up to a five star rating for me.

I definitely agree with your genre mixing. This definitely doesn't fit in just one genre nicely. Wonder if she needed a recipe card. :)  The characters were amazingly done. Realistically so. Not a single one was perfectly perfect and one died trying to be. I hated when she doubted Finny as well, but I felt it rang true to making the story plausible. Blind faith is one thing, but, especially when you are a teenager, when everyone is telling you something about someone you start feel that there must be some truth behind it. She rallied, though, and stuck to her own beliefs and feelings about him, which nearly made me cheer out loud for them. :)

Creepy but not scary - I like that. I wasn't scared at all, but it was a goosebumpy type book for me. I love the Gothic feel Brenna adds to her books. She brings the story alive through writing such amazing characters and having the ability to put you there. I think without the heat wave and dead bird epidemic the mood of the book would not have been nearly as bleak or haunting.

I agree with the ending going a bit faster paced than the rest of the book. But man, did you see that coming? I didn't. I kept mine at five stars though, despite being slightly disappointed with the resolution just being flung at me. So, no, I don't think it was just you. I just felt her writing, the world she created and the rabbit hole (ha!) I was able to go down that kept me forgetting I wasn't actually there made up for that one flaw. :)

Definitely a great book club book, for sure. I'm with you on picking up her next one. I imagine I have quite a wait, though. :(  At least they're worth the wait!

 

Have you read Paper Valentine? What did you think of it? If you haven't read it, do you think you will?

Smiles,

B