There Will Be Lies By Nick Lake

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Format: ARC

Published: 1^st  January 2015

Number of Pages: 464

Book: For Review*

Genre: Contemporary, Thriller, Mystery, Magical Realism, Suspense, Paranormal, Mythology, Fantasy, Action-Adventure, YA

Recommended Age: 14+

Contains: Swearing, Violence, Alcohol, Smoking, Drug and Sexual References

Author's Blog: Thus Spake Nick Lake

Blurb From Goodreads:

Shelby Jane Cooper is seventeen, pretty and quiet. It's just Shelby and her mom, Shaylene, a court stenographer who wears pyjama jeans, stitches tapestry, eats ice-cream for dinner and likes to keep Shelby safe. So safe she barely goes out. So safe she doesn't go to school. Because anything could happen, to a girl like Shelby. Anything.
When Shelby gets knocked down by a car, it's not just her leg that's broken: Shelby's world is shattered. Her mom turns up to collect her and drives off into the night, like it's the beginning of a road trip, like two criminals on the run, like Thelma and Louise or Bonnie and Clyde. And somehow, everywhere she looks, there's a coyote watching her, talking to her, telling her not to believe.
Who is Shelby Jane Cooper? If the person who keeps you safe also tells you lies, who can you trust?

                                                                   Review:

“I'm going to be hit by a car in about four hours, but I don't know that yet.

The weird thing is, it's not the car that's going to kill me, that's going to erase me from the world. 

It's something totally different.  Something that happens eight days from now and threatens to end the world…”

Shelby Cooper's Mom has always been paranoid and over-protective.  Shelby has been home-schooled, only going out once a week for batting practice and ice cream.  Her Mom knows everything about her, controls everything, is always telling her to be careful, watch out for cars...

One day, Shelby isn't careful enough.  A car comes onto the pavement, hits her and breaks her leg.  As she lies there, she sees a coyote, who says:

"There will be two lies, it says.  Then there will be the truth.  And that will be hardest of all."

The moment Shelby is released from the hospital, she and her mother go on the run.  They pack their car up and flee.  

Shelby's Mom has been lying to Shelby all her life.  Mom isn't who she claimed to be.

The world isn't what it claimed to be.  Because every time Shelby closes her eyes, she leaves our world and appears in another, guided on a quest by the coyote...

“There was a time before time existed and that is called the Dreaming, and that is where we are, he says.

Oh, that clears it up, I say…”

What are the two lies?  What is the truth?  

And why has her whole life been a lie?  Love?  Fear?  Survival...?

I started There Will Be Lies, just intending to read a few chapters to see what it would be like.  Half an hour and a hundred pages later, I was still hooked to every word.  I stayed up 'til three-freaking-o'clock to gobble up as many pages as possible before I pretty much passed out.  There Will Be Lies is the kind of thriller that gets under your skin, until your desire to find out what the hell's going on becomes a burning need, so intense and so strong it can't be denied.  And I must say, There Will Be Lies was like no other thriller I've read before.  It was just... so unique.  I've read real life-fantasy mashups before, but I think TWBL might just be my favourite, thanks to the mystery and Native American folklore.  All this made it so brilliant and so utterly addictive!  It's also going to be hard to write a review for – I mean, how much can I say without giving everything away?  But I'll try my best to ramble on as usual...  Lucky followers.

There were really only a few characters in this book, but they were all so very interesting and unique and intriguing.  I really liked Shelby – in fact, I found her intriguing!  Oh, and yay for the disability diversity – and for her blasé way of telling us!  But she was really brave and strong, but also lost and scared and confused.  Basically, totally understandable for her character – and very likeable and relatable. 

Mark...  Yeah, that was weird and so interesting – as bizarre as it was brilliant, that part of the storyline... more in a minute on that.  Mark: he was cryptic, mysterious, confusing – a puzzle I loved trying to crack.

Shelby's Mom...  I had a few theories concerning her overprotectiveness.  I found this woman, who wore pyjama jeans and was so protective and jumpy, intriguing...  But I  can’t say more, otherwise I might give it away…

This writing... I do like Nick Lake's writing style – his use of bizarre punctuation, his edgy voices.  Shelby really came through – so strong.  The voice was amazing, the prose compelling and the way of writing so different and unique.  I can't really explain it – it was kind of written like a train of thoughts, a stream of consciousness: everything Shelby thought, we heard, no matter the consequences.  It was honest and real and so believable.  Some people might find the weird punctuation annoying or hard to read, but I rather liked it – but that's me.

I really love thrillers.  I love all those big ohhh moments, the ones you discover and think that all makes SO MUCH sense now!  I love it.  And normally I'm actually pretty good at guessing, despite my love of twists and oh moments.  But in There Will Be Lies...  Sure, I guessed a few twists (one of the big ones, actually, though it was only one of my many theories – another so-called 'PLOT TWIST' was very, very obvious for me) but this storyline, thanks to the fantastical elements, was generally unpredictable and insanely exhilaratingly exciting.

The Dreaming was so bizarre and so awesome.  I must say, I guessed aspects of the Dreaming plot, but the world building was brilliant - more so because we're never really sure what, exactly, the Dreaming is.  If it's real, if it's a different plane, world, etc.  Maybe I would have preferred some further explanation, but it all was so fascinating and really rather unique - I really enjoyed my time in the Dreaming!  I’ve also only read a few books focusing on Native American folklore, and found the Coyote aspects simply brilliant.

There was something about this book, something I really can't put my finger one.  It's something I've found in Nick's other books, something that keeps me awake until ridiculous hours, desperate to read on.  It's some weird sort of magic, something inexplicable and powerful.  I read the book as fast as humanely possible, gobbled it all up and was left both wanting more and utterly satisfied.  The ending... it was perfect, kind of.  There Will Be Lies was an intriguing, addictive and beautiful book, one I really enjoyed.  It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it made this reviewer very happy!

Star Rating:
4 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Ferryman by Claire McFall

Bone Dragon by Alexia Casale

Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

** Quotes used are from a proof copy and may have been changed in the finished book

Neptune’s Tears by Susan Waggoner

Series: Timedance, Book One

Publisher: Picadilly

Format: ARC

Published: 1^st September 2012

Number of Pages: 224

Book: For Review*

Genre: Romance, Science-Fiction, Futuristic, Paranormal, Magical Realism, Fantasy, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Swearing, Death, Violence

No Alcohol, Drug References

It is love against the odds.  There is his world, and there is hers.  How can they feel so connected?

It’s 2218 and Zee McAdams is in her second year as a healing empathy at a busy London hospital.  When a mysterious young man arrives for treatment, Zee’s hard won calm is pierced.  She will need all her courage if she’s to follow her heart.

Especially when David reveals a devastating secret.

                                                                   Review:

“Zee didn't think so.  She had no intention of falling in love.”

Zee McAdams is an Empath at a hospital - a healer.  She's determined she will never fall in love - to do so would be risking her gift and ability to help people.  And Zee does not want that - not ever.

And then David comes in: mysterious David who she has a connection with instantly.  

Even though he's from a planet Earth doesn't trust.  

Even though he's holding back and keeping secrets. 

So when David finally reveals his terrible, dreadful secret, Zee is forced to make a potentially devastating decision...

I do so love sci-fi-paranormal type books and Neptune's Tears was pure awesomeness.  I found myself speeding through the book.  It was utterly addictive and so darn hooking it was untrue.  I read the whole book in a single sitting, storming through it, desperate to know how it ended.  And now?  Well, I need the next in the series.  Like, ASAP! 

I really did love the characters in this book.  They were all so real and amazing.  I loved them and was devastated when something bad happened to them - especially as my favourites were all hardest hit.  Zee was such a brilliant character - cheerful, full of life, caring, relatable.  She was so intuitive and so good with people,  as well as being so totally quirky and alive; a character you can totally get behind.  As for David, he was totally hot and mysterious.  He was intriguing and really likeable, even though we knew next to nothing about him and his world.  Then, well, he intrigued me even more!  I also loved Mrs Hart and Rani: both were wonderful characters.   

As for the relationship between Zee and David - I must say, normally I do not like insta-love.  But what with the whole Empath thing, the instant connection made total sense and actually really worked - plus it meant the book could move on really quickly and excitingly.  I loved watching them together, watching how their bond grew.  It was so sweet. 

The writing was simple and to the point.  It was descriptive and light, letting me visualise everything in my head.  Awesome!  It's written in such an easily readable way - everyone will be totally addicted, just like me.  And the plot was equally and infuriatingly addictive and so much more than just a fluffy romance.  There were Empaths and aliens too!  Yay!  And the ending: I am so desperate for the conclusion to the series!   I need it!  Plus, I did not see that final twist coming.  Like, at all. 

Plus, I loved this future world - no dystopia, though guys, which is kind of a nice change - and all the technology: much of it was terrifying, though, like the shock bombs.  Plus, future world with paranormal stuff too!  I just loved all the Empath stuff - it was all so cool, especially the visualisation and healing bridge energy!  The way Waggoner wrote it all so realistically made all the visualisation and energy stuff totally plausible and simply a fact to me.  And I loved learning about Daniel's world Omura. 

I must say, Neptune’s Tears managed to have several of my pet peeves without actually making them annoy me.  The insta-love in the book worked and I actually liked it and thought it was perfect.  Zee didn't know how pretty or whatever she was, without being annoying as hell.  Kind David managed to pull off that stupid, masochistic push-you-away-to-protect-you thing and make it really sweet and purely protective.  I am now pretty sure that miracles exist!

With romance, aliens and a bundle of mysteries, Neptune's Tears had me hooked start to finish.  I loved every second, all the action and intrigue and lovey-dovey stuff.  I loved the whole Empath thing most though.  But with a story as intriguing as this, as heart-warming and emotional, how's a girl meant to wait til next year to know how it all ends?!  Especially with that freaking ending!  Argh!

Safe to say, I'll be first in line for Starlight Edge...

Star Rating:
4 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
The Lorien Legacies by Pittacus Lore 
Across The Universe by Beth Revis

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book ChickCity)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Picadilly in exchange for an honest review

In Darkness by Nick Lake

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Format: ARC

Published: 5^th January 2012

Number of Pages: 352

Book: For Review*

Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Magical Realism, Thriller, Suspense, Action-Adventure, Gritty Realism, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Death, Swearing, Alcohol and Drug References

Author's Blog: Nick Lake on Simon&Schuster

In Darkness

In Darkness, I count my blessings like Manman taught me.

One: I am alive.

Two: There is no two.

In the aftermath of an earthquake, Sorty lies in the wreckage of a hospital and tries to make sense of everything that has happened.

His experiences as a small-time gangster in Haiti have given him plenty to hink about.

But when his thoughts are interrupted by someone long dead, Shorty’s battle for survival takes him to places he could never have imagined.

A bullet wound, a missing sister and a life of crime become pieces of a far bigger story, and what Shorty discovers in the darkness is just the beginning.

                                                                   Review:

"Life must be paid for with death"

Shorty is trapped in darkness, buried beneath the rubble of the hospital he was in.  He is all alone, calling for help, but no one comes.  He has already seen enough darkness, enough violence to last anyone a lifetime.  Born in Site Soley, the slums of Haiti, a place controlled by gangsters, he has done and seen terrible things.  He has killed.  He has been killed.  He has seen babies abandoned - still alive - in the rubbish.  But through it all, through the rubble, he burns with a desire, a need, to find his twin sister, who is the soul that completes his, and who was stolen from him seven years ago.  As time goes on, this desire, this flame, burns brighter and brighter - so strong it intertwines with Toussaint l'Ouverture, the slave who led the Haitian revolution, one of the most inspirational and amazing stories of freedom, hope and betrayal, two-hundred years old...

Maybe Shorty isn't as alone in darkness as he thought he was...

I love powerful books, and my God was this powerful.  I was hooked from the word go.  It was so strong - so strong that "strong" is too weak a word.  It was beautiful, heart-wrenching, emotional, horrible, breath-taking, overwhelming, beyond words.  I'm still taking it all in, even after all this time.  I haven't gotten it out of my head - it's been lodged in there from the first page and has still refused to leave.  Of all the books to have made an emotional nest in my head, I am so, so glad it's this one.  It's shocking, utterly unique.  I can't recommend it enough!

The characters were amazing.  Incredible.  Shorty… his voice just struck me from the word go.  I wondered who he was and what he had done, felt terrible that he was trapped like he was.  So many dreadful, dreadful things had happened to him - and so young as well.  And as many bad things that he'd done, as much “hate” he felt, even though he was a “chimère” (gangsta), I loved him so, so, so much.  And I couldn't hate or blame him for any of the bad things he'd done.  Toussaint was a slave and the most amazing man who wanted freedom, but through peace not violence.  He was just incredible, the most wonderful leader and the best person. 

All the minor characters were as brilliantly padded out as the main characters.  I loved getting to know them through Shorty's memories, through Toussaint's.  The ones who really stuck out for me were Shorty’s sister Marguerite, who he still idolised after all this time; and Dread Wilmé, a "big dog" gangsta, who actually made the Site better, even if it was by killing and a ruthless hand.

The writing was amazing, stunning.  I felt like I was there, trapped with Shorty - God, it was terrible, the sensation of being trapped, buried, alone, surrounded by bodies.  I loved how Shorty slipped in words of his own tongue – it made it feel Shorty.  And, god, it was so beautiful, so heart-breakingly, horribly beautiful, so emotionally overwhelming.  The plot was stunning – I loved seeing how Shorty’s and Toussaint’s stories intertwined, how their minds became one.  Incredible.  I was just hooked to every word and it was just so marvellously unpredictable.

And I loved the culture: it was so beautiful and vivid.  The way Shorty described twins – they were magic, “Marassa”, shared a soul.  All the gods were so amazing as well; I loved learning about them all.  The zombie part was so fascinating – horrible too, of course!  The culture in this book was just so amazing and complex, beautiful and horrible, so vivid and just really, really intrigued me.

I love books based on history and In Darkness was in a whole world of its own.  For one, I've never ever read a book about Haiti.  Two: this was the most insanely emotional, powerful historical I've ever read - and trust me, I've read so many.  But what made this totally unique is how the past intertwined with the present in this most amazing story.  In fact, I adored In Darkness so much that "adored" is again not strong enough.  In Darkness is just beyond words.  It is amazing, so powerful, so emotional. I will never, ever in a million years forget this book. 

Star Rating:
5 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Kill All Enemies by Melvin Burgess

Dark Eyes by William Richter

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

YA Contemporary Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Reading Angel & Katie's Book Blog)

British Books Challenge 2012 (Hosted by The Overflowing Library)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review

The Seeing by Diana Hendry

Publisher: BodleyHead

Format: ARC

Published: 5^th September 2011

Number of Pages: 176

Book: For Review*

Genre: Realistic-Fiction, Historical, Thriller, Suspense, Action-Adventure, Magical Realism, Mystery, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Swearing, Violence, Bullying

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Blog: Diana Hendry

“I’ve told you.  Philip can see.  He can see inside people.  He can see the swastikas on their hearts.”

1956.  When wild, dangerous Natalie arrives in the quiet town of Norton, thirteen-year-old Lizzie is drawn irresistibly to the girl from the wrong side of the tracks.

As the girls grow closer, Natalie and her eerie younger brother, Philip, reveal a shocking secret.  Philip has a second sight, and sees evil all around – “left-over Nazis” lying in wait until the time is right for revenge.  Natalie and Philip believe it’s up to them to root these people out of Norton.

Lizzie is swept up in what starts as a thrilling game – but the consequences of Philip’s ‘gift’ quickly spiral into disaster.

A chilling, powerful tale from Whitbread Award-winner Diana Hendry.

                                                                   Review:

"Believe me.  Believe Philip.  Whoever he's Seen is a LON, a Left-Over Nazi.  And we'll find him."

The war has been won, peace has been reached and all is calm in the small seaside town of Norton.  People are overjoyed to be living in a time of peace and prosperity.

Well, everyone except Lizzie.  Lizzie, who’s so bored she thinks she’s going mad.

Until she meets Natalie: dark, wild, dangerous Natalie.  Lizzie is drawn to the out-of-control Natalie, and as they grow closer, Natalie reveals something about her strange little brother, Philip: Philip Sees things no one else can, can see that the threat of war is not over.

He can see the “Left-Over Nazis” and it’s up to him and Natalie to find them and force them out of town.

To begin with it’s all a game to Lizzie, but before long Philip’s “gift” starts consequences that spin dangerously out of control…

I've never read anything by Hendry before, but the moment I read the blurb of this book, I knew I simply had to get my hands on it.  It was one of those books you start reading and find you simply cannot put down, no matter how hard you try.  It was dark, addictive, seductive and so much more than I ever thought a 170-something paged book could ever be.  I don't know if you guys have read it, but something about The Seeing reminded me of The Tulip Touch by Anne Fine.  It had the same darkly dangerous feel to it, the same addictiveness.  But The Seeing was better in my eyes, much, much better.  Incredible, actually, even if the beginning was kinda slow.  And, my God, that ending...

I must say, Hendry's characterisation was sublime.  All the characters were so 3D and intriguing.  Lizzie was very much your average teenager, and perfectly embodied how easy it is to get pulled to the ‘dark side’ by boredom or a need for excitement.  Natalie was just… well, intriguing.  Hendry couldn’t’ve written her better if she spent a million years trying.  She was cruel, but she really believed what she was doing.  She was “cold”, “ruthless” and so, so complex…  Philip was the most interesting of the lot.  There was just something about him.  He just knew stuff, stuff he shouldn’t – couldn’t – possibly know.  All the way through, I couldn’t figure out whether maybe, just maybe, he really did have some kinda “second sight”…  Hugo was really sweet and kind; he was probably the most likeable character in the book.  I loved getting an outsider’s view of the trio, seeing them all through his eyes.  While they were all so well written and padded out, obviously Natalie and Philip stole the show. 

The writing was just… whoa.  It was atmospheric, creepy and so much darker than I thought it could be.  And it was all so beautiful: it was like I was there!  I loved that we got to read from each of the main characters’ POVs: it meant we got the whole picture.  As for the story line, I was hooked from the prologue.  I mean, talk about gripping openings!  It was one of those that meant you simply had to carry on reading – putting the book down just wasn’t an option!  The plot was fast-paced, thrilling, with the perfect amounts of suspense, description and dramatic pauses.  As for the ending…  Oh.  My.  God!  Just…  God…

I loved doing post-war Britain in history and have always been fascinated by historical fiction set in that time period.  It intrigued me to see the two sides of post-war UK: the rich, prosperous side and the financially struggling, hard-done side.  The post-war pain and fear and damage was palpable throughout the book, especially whenever Lizzies mum was involved.  The Seeing was like a little time machine back to 1956.  I must say, all the themes in this were so much darker than I thought a 176-page-book could have.  One example was the way Natalie and co went about ridding the world of “LONs”.  It was simply bullying, and if there’s one thing I truly hate, it’s bullying.  I actually felt sick to the stomach at some of the things they did…  But that just made the book even better, even more powerful.

This book literally blew me away.  I can’t tell you how powerful and shocking The Seeing was, how addictive it was.  This literally has something for everyone: suspense, mystery, historical setting, contemporary themes, thriller, romance, a paranormal tilt…  As I neared the end, I found myself reading faster and faster and faster, totally hooked, unable to put the book down, not even for a second…  This was such a hard-hitting book, so much so it hurt.  Just… whoa.  I really don’t know what else I can say.  It was just… beyond explanation.  Read it, have your mind blown, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Star Rating:
4¾ Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Tulip Touch by Anne Fine

This Is Not Forgiveness by CeliaRees

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

YA Contemporary Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Reading Angel & Katie's Book Blog)

British Books Challenge 2012 (Hosted by The Overflowing Library)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from RandomHouse in exchange for an honest review

The Frankincense Trail Blog Tour: Review of The Frankincense Trail by Jody Kihara

Over November 1st-10th, The Frankincense Trail by Jody Kihara will be touring the blogosphere.  I adored this one, an Arabian Nights era book that just took me back in time!

Anyway, besides the blog tour, Jody (the author) will be holding a massive giveaway on her Facebook Page.  She will give away 5 Copies!! of The Frankincense Trail, the winners being able to choose between print or digital copies.  For more information, go to Jody's FB Page!

And if you want more information go to The Frankincense Trail Website, or to buy the book to read yourself, go to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Now, this bit has got to be one of the coolest things ever...  At the end of the blog tour, there's going to be a massive Twitter-View, or a Twitter Interview.  To go check it out, follow either @ladystorm33 or @JodyKihara, or type in #TFT.  I, for one, can't wait to see how that one turns out!

Publisher: Star Magnolia Publishing

Format: Kindle

Published: 30^th June 2011

Number of Pages: 265

Book: For Review From Author*

Genre: Historical, Realistic-Fiction, Fantasy, Action-Adventure, Magical Realism, YA

Recommended Age: 11+

Contains: Violence, Death

No Alcohol, Drug References

Available On: Barnes & Noble and Amazon (Kindle, Paperback)

Author's Website: Jody Kihara

The Frankincense Trail

Synopsis From Goodreads:

In 200BC, frankincense was worth its weight in gold, making Arabia was the envy of the world. But wealth comes at a cost: the precious resin had to be transported along the Frankincense Road, a dangerous route through rocky mountains and barren desert.
Alia is a princess in a dwindling kingdom that lies on the Frankincense Road. Having grown up hearing tales of Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, she dreams of finding a way to restore her kingdom’s former might. When a caravan journeying to the mysterious incense lands stops to take on travellers, she sees her chance.
She soon realises, however, that her trust in the caravan leaders has been misguided. They are not mere incense merchants, but traitors and mercenaries. Alia’s journey soon turns from dangerous to life-threatening.
The Frankincense Trail is a story that transports the reader to a time and place reminiscent of the Arabian Nights tales.

Review:

Alia is a princess, an Ameera.  Her place in life is to get married to a prince from another kingdom and have children.  But she doesn’t want that.  Alia wants to travel the desert, to visit the mysterious incense roads.  With the help of her friend Safiy, Alia disguises herself as a boy, and joins a caravan of traders, headed for the frankincense lands.  But what Alia doesn’t realise is that traders are highly superstitious, and one tiny little sign of misfortune could lead to someone getting left behind… in the middle of the desert…

When I was given this book, it was compared to the Arabian Nights.  I love that time period, with the jinn and traders.  So I really, really was not disappointed with this book.  It felt like I’d travelled back in time.  It was vibrant.  So very vibrant that I could feel it, feel the book, the place, the people...  I loved every page, every moment.  I loved this book: addicted from the word go.  I can’t wait to see what Jody brings out next.  Hopefully another historical book just like this one.  Maybe even a sequel?  But either way, I have a feeling that no matter what it’s about, it will be amazing.

Alia was wonderful!  I loved her spirit, her determination.  For a princess, she was pretty badass: brave and good with a sword.  She was also caring, loving, considerate.  Of course, she had to hide her feminine side: she was meant to be a guy named Ali!  But she was so strong-willed, and really, really clever, with a good head for politics.  She could totally take care of herself.  She was the best!  I just loved her from the word go. 

Safiy was Alia’s best friend, and may I just say: a princess has never had a better friend.  She was the kindest friend: she’d do anything for Alia.  Their bond was so strong.  They may have been princess and servant, but they were also best friends who would do anything for one another.  They were so close, it was so sweet and so strong.

Kardal was a strong leader of a group of traders.  He was quiet, mysterious, intense.  Very little of his past was known by Alia, and it was intriguing to see how his history grew as I read.  He, himself was very difficult to gauge.  I never could tell what he was thinking.  He was a good guy, very caring.  In a macho way.  I love him: dark mysterious Kardal, strong and silent.

The characters all felt so real.  I felt like I got to know Alia like a sister.  I wanted a best friend like Safiy.  I was desperate to know more about Kardal.  I hated Alia’s family with her.  All of the relationships just felt so real.  I could just feel everyone.  Don’t you just love that feeling?

And the writing was just beautiful.  It was written in 3^rd person, focusing on Alia, letting us see through her eyes and feel what she felt.  As for the plot: wonderful.  Even though much of the story was about Alia’s journey across the desert, it wasn’t at all boring.  The way it was laid out made it so interesting, so addictive. And the descriptions of the towns and landscapes were stunning.  The spices, the colours, the sand: I could see it all in my head, smell it, feel it.  Vibrant, bright, near overwhelming.  It made me want to grab a time machine so I could be there.  Well, that or go to Arabia, or some other such country.

I just loved the historical side.  It was all so vivid, so realistic.  From the various gods to the customs, it felt like I’d gone back in time.  I loved the feeling, the setting.  Learning all about the trade routes, the rules.  All the little details made everything fell so real.  I loved learning about them all.  It made the whole story more real, powerful and just overall amazing. 

Back to the details…  I dread to think how much research had to go into this!  But, as they say, the devil’s in the details.  And the details rocked!  Bravo Jody!

I loved, loved, loved The Frankincense Trail.  It was unlike anything I’d read before.  Once I’d finished, I just wanted to dive back into the story, into the time zone.  Book Two, please, Jody?  I want to know where Alia goes next!

P.S. I loved the glossary and name meanings.  It gave a deeper understanding of the time zone and meant I could get more into the book.  Genius!

Star Rating:
4½ Out of 5

    Previous Stop on The Frankincense Trail Blog Tour:  Library of Clean Reads

To see all taking part in The Franincense Trail Blog Tour, Go to Lightning Book Promotions

Read this book if you liked:

The Arabian Nights Tales

White Witch Pond by Jody Kihara

 Witch Child by Celia Rees

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Megan

* This book was received from author in exchange for an honest review

Happy Reading