Review - Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin, Book 2) by Robin LaFevers (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Size: 400 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Date: April 2, 2013
ISBN: 978-0547628387
Stand Alone or Series: 2nd book in the His Fair Assassin series
Source: ARC through Amazon Vine
Rating: 5/5 stars

I got a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program to review. This is the second book in the His Fair Assassin trilogy. The third book will be titled, Mortal Heart, and is scheduled to release sometime in 2014. I liked this book even more than the first book in the series. I felt like there was more action, and enjoyed Sybella as a heroine a lot.

In the first book of this series we saw Sybella arrive at the convent of St. Mortain nearly insane with grief and rage. Then the convent asked the unspeakable of her, for her to return home as an agent of Death. Now she is forced to confront both her incredibly violent father and her brother, who loves her a bit too much. In such a wrong and miserable atmosphere she questions everything. Is she really doing Death’s work and helping protect the kingdom? Or does the convent of Mortain have an agenda of their own?

This was another great historical fantasy by LaFevers. The pace was excellent. The book has lots of intrigue, mystery, action, and some romance too. There isn’t as much romance as in the first book. This book is also much darker in tone. As far as time frame goes, this book starts right at the end of Grave Mercy and continues on in time from that point.

Sybella is a much different character from Ismae. In this book we found out why she was insane with grief and rage when she arrived at convent of St. Mortain. She is a dark character with a sharp sense of humor. She has endured a number of unspeakable things. There are parts of this book that are very violent as Sybella’s father is an incredibly cruel and violent person.

The Beast of Warwoch also features in this book. Sybella rescues him from imprisonment and the two find refuge in each other’s company. Little does Sybella know that her past is entwined with his. The Beast is a wonderful character; he is just as stubborn as Sybella and is tough enough to fight by her side and not flinch at her viciousness.

There are some uncomfortable topics broached in this novel; rape, torture, incest, infantcide....it’s all in here. It is all included in a way that is appropriate and is never overdone or glorified. Just a look out to readers who are uncomfortable reading about those topics. Sybella has had an incredibly tough life, and we are exposed to all of it.

There are some absolutely fantastic fighting scenes. My favorites were the ones where Sybella and the Beast fought side by side.

The plot is also well done full of mysteries and twists and turns that are very engaging. The main focus of the book is still to save Brittany from French rule.

The book is very well written, I liked it even better than Grave Mercy. I felt like it was a tighter and better paced story than Grave Mercy. The main storyline with Sybella is tied up nicely, but there is more to come to save Brittany from French rule.

Overall an absolutely excellent historical fantasy. I liked this book even better than Grave Mercy and I loved Grave Mercy. Sybella and the Beast are incredibly engaging characters. The plot is fast-paced and full of wonderful action scenes, excellent mystery, and heart-warming romance. This whole series is highly recommended to fans of historical fantasy.


This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- YA/MG Fantasy Reading Challenge
- 150+ Reading Challenge
- Young Adult Reading Challenge

Early Review - Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh (Theodosia Thockmorten, Book 4) by R.L. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

Reading level: Middle Grade
Genre: Adventure/History
Size:  400 pages
Publisher: Houghton Books for Children
Release Date: April 4, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0547390185
Stand Alone or Series: Book 4 in Theodosia series
Source: Ebook;from Netgalley.com
Rating: 4/5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Theodosia LaFevers.  This was my favorite book in the series so far, it really took the story to another level.

Theodosia has journeyed with her mother to Egypt supposedly to help her mom on an archaeological dig.  Theodosia's real purpose it to return the Emerald tablet and other important artifacts to the protection of the Brotherhood so that they don't fall into the evil hands of the Serpents of Chaos.

I really enjoyed this book.  Theodosia takes on more responsibility than in previous books and is really maturing; she has started making decisions that take the welfare of others into account.  We also get some great new characters thrown into the mix.

In general it was just cool to have this book take place in Egypt.  Theodosia finds out a ton of interesting things about her birth and history and about how she is tied into the ages long battle between the Serpents of Chaos and the Brotherhood.  All in all a very solid addition to the series.

I continue to enjoy Theodosia's intelligence, snarky attitude, and ability to work her way through almost anything.  There were a lot of twists and turns in this novel so it really kept me guessing and was hard to put down.

I did have one small complaint and that is things are getting complicated.  Between the secret groups in London and the similar but separate secret groups in Egypt I was having a bit of trouble remember who belonged to what group and what the focus of each group was.  This would have been clearer in my mind if I had read previous novels more recently.  

Overall a great addition to the series.  If you liked previous books you will like this one.  I loved that this Theodosia to Egypt and that she learned so much about her history.  Fans of strong young women, adventure, travel, and ancient magic should enjoy this book.  I highly recommend this series, it is lots of fun to read and appropriate for all ages.

Review - The Unicorn's Tale (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 4) by R.L. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

Reading level: Children's/Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Release Date: April 11th, 2011
ISBN-13: 978-0547482774
Stand Alone or Series: 4th book in the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series
Source: Advanced Reading Copy From netgalley.com
Rating: 4/5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Nathaniel Fludd series by R.L. LaFevers.  This book was a great addition to the series and if you have enjoyed previous books you will enjoy this one.

Nathaniel and his Aunt Phil are called to deal with a problematic unicorn.  When they get their they find that the unicorn may not have a problem...exactly.  Nathaniel is eager to continue on the search for Obediah, in hopes that his parents might actually be alive.  He is hoping that somehow the unicorn problem and Obidiah might be connected...and he may be right.

If you have liked the previous books in this series you will enjoy this one.  This one doesn't have quite as much adventure as previous books and Nathaniel isn't really forced to deal with large decisions by himself.  Because of that Nathaniel doesn't grow a lot as a character in this book.  The issue of his missing parents is addressed though, so it was good to get more information on that.

It was fun to learn about the unicorns and their history; Nathaniel is slowly starting to catch on to being a beastologist.  The over-arcing story makes some progress but not a ton.  Definitely a story aimed at the younger age set, but older readers might enjoy this as a quick and amusing read.  The pictures throughout the book are beautiful and add a lot to the story.

Overall, a good addition to the series.  It was nice to get more of the story behind Nathaniel's parents, but the story doesn't progress a ton and there isn't quite as much adventure as in previous books.  Learning about the unicorn is a lot of fun though and Greasle gets more of a front seat in the story.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- The 100+ Book Reading Challenge

 

Review - The Wyverns' Treasure (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3) by R.L. LaFevers

This is the third book in the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series by LaFevers.  It was in keeping with the rest of the books in the series and was a fun and quick read.  The book takes a little over an hour to read and is aimed at younger age to middle grade children.  I got this book as an advanced reading copy from netgalley.

In this book Nathaniel and his Aunt return home to find their house ransacked...they suspect the man who did it may be the same one who tried to steal the Book of Beasts.  Then they receive a message that the Wyvern's treaty has been broken.  Aunt Phil and Nathaniel can only race to try and fix things with the Wyvern; hoping that some of the mysteries surrounding the man who is causing all the trouble will be revealed along the way.

This book dealt more with the over-arcing story involving the mysterious man that has been causing a lot of trouble.  The main story of the trouble with the Wyvern is also resolved nicely.  If you liked the previous Nathaniel Fludd books you will like this one.  Nathaniel is gradually getting more comfortable with his adventures and Aunt Phil is slowly accepting that Greasle might be a keeper.

The illustrations are wonderful and the story is action-packed and fun. 

Overall story that young to middle grade kids will really get into.  Nathaniel makes for an unlikely hero and Aunt Phil is always a lot of fun!  I look forward to the next Nathaniel Fludd adventure.

 

Review -The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2) by R. L. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

This is the second book in the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series.  Overall I enjoyed it, although it is a pretty short book meant for younger readers.

Right on the heels of his first adventure with the Phoenix, Nathaniel is spirited away by his Aunt to help capture a Basilisk that has gone astray.

This book is very short, would probably take an adult 20-30 minutes to read, but is very readable and enjoyable.  There are nice pictures throughout so children just starting chapter books would be a good fit.

The pace is fast and the action non-stop.  The mythology behind all the different beasties is interesting.  I love reading about mythical creatures so this book was right up my alley.  Children who like reading about adventure, travel, or magical creatures should get into this book.  It is an easy read and entertaining.  I look forward to the next book in the series.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- The 100+ Book Reading Challenge

 

Review -Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus by R. L. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

This is the third book in the Theodosia series by LaFevers.  It was a great addition to the series. If you liked the first two books I think you will enjoy this one as well.

Theodosia is already knee deep in curses as she tries to frantically de-curse all of the Egyptian artifacts in her parents' museum (without them knowing).  When her brother Henry comes down to "help" he cracks a stone tablet and reveals an Emerald Tablet inside of it.  Now all the different factions that Theodosia is in cahoots with want this Emerald tablet even though it is supposedly worthless; on top of this a third party enters the picture.  Theodosia has to decide who she should entrust with the keeping of the tablet, while de-cursing artifacts, and trying to protect her brother from the soul of a vengeful mummy.  All in all she really has her hands full, of course she can handle it because she is Theodosia.

This book is a bit different from the rest in the series in that the story is not as complete.  Some threads are left dangling and some facts behind Theodosia's curse detecting powers are revealed.  It looks like this series is ramping up to have some big action in the next book and the story is broadening to become bigger than the one book adventures we are used too.

Theodosia remains her clever and somewhat prickly self, but she is gradually learning the value of working with others.  Both Sticky Will and Henry provide her with assistance in this book.  The book itself is never boring with one action scene after another.  The detail that goes into some of the rituals and some of the Egyptian history is really fascinating, although I am not knowledgeable enough to know how accurate it all is.

If you like Egyptian history, adventure, and witty girls this is the book for you.  It is appropriate for all age levels.  The writing style itself is very well done and very readable; overall I really enjoyed the book. 

I am eagerly awaiting Theodosia's next adventure which looks like it will take her into Egypt to face her unknown past.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
- The Young Adult Reading Challenge
- The 100+ Book Reading Challenge

 

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R. A. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

This is the first book in the Theodosia Thockmorton series by LaFevers. I actually received the second book "Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris" though the Amazon Vine program and really liked it. After realizing that that was the second book I went back to read this one. The third book "Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus" comes out in April of 2010. This was another great Theodosia book. These are wonderful books for kids interested in Egyptian history, magic, mystery, or just reading about a smart young girl who gets into all sorts of trouble.

In this book Theodosia's mother brings back a whole load of artifacts from Egypt and they are rife with curses. Theodosia has a special talent for being able to sense curses and uses her hard-won knowledge to dispel them. One of the artifacts her mother brings back is the Heart of Egypt. The Heart of Egypt will bring about the fall of England if it is not sent back to Egypt quickly. Unfortunately Theodosia's mother is not the only one interested in it, a nefarious group steals it and it is up to Theodosia, a pick pocket named Sticky Will, and Theodosia's brother Henry to find a way to get that artifact back where it belongs.

LaFevers spins an intriguing and interesting mystery surrounding these Egyptian artifacts. I love Theodosia's resourcefulness and practicality, these coupled with the fact that she is only a young girl make for a number of very humorous moments in the book. I think after Theodosia my favorite character is Will, he is resourceful in a different way and another great character. There are many excellent characters, but by far the strength of the book is the mystery and the interesting Egyptian lore included. The plot clips along at a good rate and never becomes boring.

The only thing I didn't like was that LaFevers makes the parents so clueless, in fact most of the adults in the book are rather stupid and helpless. I kind of wish that at least some of the adults in the book had a clue, but it is a good story nonetheless.

I found this book to be a quick and fun read and suitable for children of all ages. There are some scary parts, but nothing too horrible. Overall a very enjoyable read, very in keeping with the second book (Which I read before this one) I am really looking forward to the third book in this series.

Flight of the Phoenix (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 1) by R. L. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

I got this book as an advanced reading copy through the Amazon Vine program. It is the first book in a series targeted at children. Previously I have read LaFevers Theodosia series and I enjoyed that series. This book is a short chapter book and was a very quick, fun read; as an adult it took me maybe 30 minutes to read.

Nathaniel never sees much of his parents; they are always off exploring and he's been left behind. Then a message comes that they have been "lost at sea". Suddenly Nathaniel's life is turned upside down and he is sent to live with his Aunt Phil. Aunt Phil immediately whisks him off on a crazy adventure to take care of a Phoenix. Ends up Nathaniel is the most recent of a long line of Beastologists.

This was a great kids book. It was fast-paced, creative, and both Nathaniel and Aunt Phil are likable characters. In some ways this book reminds a bit of the Spiderwick Chronicles. The chapters are fairly short and there are pictures throughout. This would be a great book to introduce a kid to chapter books. Kids that love animals, travel, and adventures will love this book. The story is concluded nicely, but there is room left for more books in the series.

A wonderful, creative book in a great new series. Anyway who likes the Spiderwick Chronicles or the Fablehaven series will like this book. The reading level is much easier than the Fablehaven series. I am looking forward to more adventures with Nathaniel and Aunt Phil in the future.

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris by R. L. LaFevers (4/5 stars)

This is apparently the 2nd book in the Theodosia series. I got this through Amazon vine. It was a good book. I enjoyed it, definitely more of a young adult series, which is what it is listed as. I guess I would call this series Artemis Fowl meets ancient Egypt.

I did not read the first book in this series. This did not cause me any confusion in this book really, there were some references to people and places that occurred in the first book. These references didn't detract any from the story presented in this book. Theodosia is a very intelligent young lady who has become involved with some Secret Societies that are either looking to cause chaos or prevent it. In this book Theo finds the Staff of Osiris in the basement of the museum her father owns. When she accidentally activates it things start spiraling out of control.

It was a quick, fun read. Theodosia is a great character. It would have been nice to have some of the other characters be more developed, but the story doesn't center on them so I guess that is that. The book brought to mind the Artemis Fowl series, I don't think it is comparable, even a little bit, to Harry Potter; it is a completely different type of story. The book also brought to mind The Mummy movies.

I am not sure I need to put another young adult series on my plate of things to read, but I might consider it since this was such a well-done and fun book.