Vira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya are the siblings that define drama and in The Ivory Key they have to let go of their anger and hurt to work together to sVira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya are the siblings that define drama and in The Ivory Key they have to let go of their anger and hurt to work together to save magic in Ashoka. Problem is each of the siblings has a secret agenda of what they want when the find The Ivory Key... will they be able to put aside their personal ambitions so that they can save magic and Ashoka?
The first part of the book was slower paced but it really started to speed up. I think it was important to really introduce the characters of this Indian- inspired duology as we need to know them to understand their motivation for finding The Ivory Key. The past has been filled with trauma and each of them have found their own path to survive but now they need to work together so that they can start their journey to peace and forgiveness.
I definitely enjoyed the elements of magic and mystery. A fun read and soon part two will be released!
Thank you to NetGalley, Clarion Books for this review copy of The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman for me to read and enjoy. My opinion is mine alone and my review is voluntary....more
I absolutely loved reading A Holly Jolly Diwali, written by Sonya Lalli. Everything about this book drew me in and kept me engaged in the story. The sI absolutely loved reading A Holly Jolly Diwali, written by Sonya Lalli. Everything about this book drew me in and kept me engaged in the story. The settings were terrific and written with Lalli's eloquence. Niki Randhawa, our main character is twenty nine and lives a logical, practical life. She is thrown into a roller coaster that begins the day she is laid off from her desirable, safe job and lets loose on a blind date. She then decides to attend her best friend's wedding in India on an impulse.
During the celebration of Diwali, Niki meets Sameer Mukherji (Sam), a popular musician who seems to be the opposite of Niki in most every way. Chemistry sizzles between the two who live in different worlds and different countries. The settings in India were my favorite, as well as the explanation of Diwali and what it means to many of the different characters. Lalli is not afraid to dig deep into the cultural insecurities and how family expectations can shape our choices. The racism and class systems in India were shown from Niki's perspective - and were an important part of her character development.
I was left longing for more time spent in India but enriched with glimpses of culture and custom in a land I would love to visit. Lalli tackled hard issues in A Holly Jolly Diwali without letting these themes take over the romance between Niki and Sam. Definitely a worthy read!
Shiori'anma is everyone's strong heroine, a beautiful Princess from Kiata who harbors a dangerous secret that could mean exile or death if anyone wereShiori'anma is everyone's strong heroine, a beautiful Princess from Kiata who harbors a dangerous secret that could mean exile or death if anyone were to find out. Soon, Shiori's magic is revealed to none other than Raikama, her step-mother who casts a dark spell on Shiori by placing a magic bowl on her head obstructing her perfect features from the eyes of others and forbidding her to talk or the lives of her six brothers who have just transformed into crimson cranes will be in jeopardy. Then she is cast far far away from everyone she knows and left on her own to figure out how adult. No longer living as a teenager princess, Shiori has a long road ahead of her in her quest to find and save her brothers.
Author Elizabeth Lim weaves together mythology from classic literature/fairytales (The Wild Swans/Cinderella) and Chinese folklore as well ) Madame White Snake, Chan E The Moon Goddess, Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, and The Girl with the Black Bowl). Lim is brilliant at combining East and West mythology and creating a vibrant story with characters that are really developed. I can see this as a huge movie series. There is so much to unpack in this first book in this new fantasy series.
Although the target audience may state young adult, this book is perfect for any adult as well. Has all the makings of successful reading: action, adventure, fantasy, magic, exile, quests, and a bit of romance here or there. I am quite impressed with Elizabeth Lim as an author, because to work her magic on Six Crimson Cranes takes an organized and creative genius! Can you tell that I highly enjoyed and truly recommend Six Crimson Cranes? Go pick it up right away, it is out now!
Did I mention there are dragons?? Oh almost forgot to throw in that quick teaser. Yes, at least two dragons! Prepare for an epic adventure....more
Thief of Souls by Brian Klingborg takes the reader on a journey into Northern China where Police Inspector Lu Fei is called in on his night off to invThief of Souls by Brian Klingborg takes the reader on a journey into Northern China where Police Inspector Lu Fei is called in on his night off to investigate the murder of a beautiful young woman. Throughout the novel, Lu Fei is quoting poetry and literature and intersperses it with a sardonic wit that makes me laugh. I love the nicknames he gives to people.
Along with a mind boggling murder to solve, author Klingborg introduces the reader through the eyes of Lu Fei to Northern China, the politics and culture as well as the people. Interesting characters and definitely not the same old same old mystery novel. Pacing in one section will be fast and in another section slow, but as the book wraps up its mystery it all comes together smoothly! Definitely a worthy read!!!
So enjoyed this read and looking forward to more in the series hopefully coming out soon. I could imagine this novel would make a great movie! My favorite parts were learning more about China and it felt like an up close and personal view!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Brian Klingborg, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for this temporary advance review copy for me to read and enjoy. As always, my opinions are my own!!!...more
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