[Blog Tour: Review] Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

 
Title: Anna and the Swallow Man
Author: Gavriel Savit
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Release Date: January 26, 2016

ISBN: 9780399553042
Goodreads

Kraków, 1939. A million marching soldiers and a thousand barking dogs. This is no place to grow up. Anna Łania is just seven years old when the Germans take her father, a linguistics professor, during their purge of intellectuals in Poland. She’s alone.

And then Anna meets the Swallow Man. He is a mystery, strange and tall, a skilled deceiver with more than a little magic up his sleeve. And when the soldiers in the streets look at him, they see what he wants them to see.

The Swallow Man is not Anna’s father—she knows that very well—but she also knows that, like her father, he’s in danger of being taken, and like her father, he has a gift for languages: Polish, Russian, German, Yiddish, even Bird. When he summons a bright, beautiful swallow down to his hand to stop her from crying, Anna is entranced. She follows him into the wilderness.

Over the course of their travels together, Anna and the Swallow Man will dodge bombs, tame soldiers, and even, despite their better judgment, make a friend. But in a world gone mad, everything can prove dangerous. Even the Swallow Man.

I don't usually read Middle Grade books, but upon seeing the blurb for Anna and the Swallow Man, how could I not give this one book a shot? The blurb is short, simple, and sweet - one day, seven-year-old Anna's father left for the day... and he never came back. Wait... what!? I know, right!? How can you NOT be intrigued? How on earth can you not even be the littlest curious as to what happened to Anna's father... and most importantly, to what will now become of Anna? Also, I was a bit surprised to find out that this book was marketed towards young adults (and even as a YA book) even though the main character is seven. Hmmm... makes you wonder, right? And well, once my curiosity was piqued... well, I had to satisfy the damn thing.

We get right to the thick of the story from the beginning - the first few pages describe Anna's father, their relationship, and ultimatlely him leaving her for a while. It didn't take long for Anna to realize that her father wasn't coming back, and she had no one to care for her. Simply put, she had no one. This all changes when one day, Anna comes across a gentleman that enthralls her.  She follows him, and soon enough, the two travel together. This gentleman never reveals his name to Anna - rather, he asks her to call him Swallow Man, and at the same time, for her to not use hers unless the two of them are alone. Journeying together for years, the Swallow Man teaches Anna how to live without her father, how to fend for herself, and how to survive.

To be completely honest about it, Anna and the Swallow Man is a confusing book to read. More often than not, I feel like there were two Lyras reading the book - one Lyra who appreciates the beautiful prose and writing and just reads along; and one Lyra who sees every sentence as a metaphor and a hint of what terrible thing is to come as the story progresses. It was hard not to feel this way - while the book was told through the eyes of young Anna and we are more often than not engulfed in her naivety, there were also times wherein there were snippets that gave us a peek of how things really were. After all, Anna and the Swallow Man is not just a story of little Anna losing her father and journeying with her new friend - it's also a story of war.

What I appreciated the most about Anna and the Swallow Man is that while the war is definitely an aspect of the story, it didn't overpower the other facets of the novel. At the heart of the book is still Anna growing, maturing, and starting to see the world as it really is. Little by little, the layers of Anna's innocence are peeled away, and we start to understand Anna as a character. As early as the first page of the novel, a recurring theme of Anna and the Swallow Man is Anna trying to figure out who she is amidst all the lying she has to do in order to survive, and amidst the chaos that has continuously threatened the peace that she once knew.

Easily the most intriguing character of Anna and the Swallow Man is the Swallow Man. We have no idea who he is, and what we know of him, we only know because of Anna. We only see the parts of him that Anna sees, though of course there are those tantalizing all-knowing snippets that I mentioned earlier that hint at something more. The Swallow Man is the chameleon of all chameleons - he can be anyone he wants to be, and he's a master of making people see only what he wants them to see. I understand why Anna found him so fascinating in the first place, and why she's ready to follow him wherever. (I won't lie though - I need to learn MORE about the Swallow Man!)

As I have mentioned earlier, there is something so hauntingly beautiful about how this book was written. The prose is captivating, and while it was hard to wrap my head around it at first, I couldn't get enough of it in no time. Savit is an incredibly talented wordsmith - he says so much in one sentence, and he has no problem painting a picture of what he wants you to imagine. I've also touched upon this before - I think it takes a great deal of talent to be able to tell a story set in war without the war overpowering the other themes of the story. Instead of overshadowing Anna, the war instead complemented her character growth.

People say all the time that sometimes, it's not about the destination, but rather, about the journey. I know you see where I'm going with this... but yes, I do this that this the case with this book. Anna and the Swallow Man travel together for two years with no clear destination in sight, and we see how much they grow and change during this time. While the ending may be a bit perplexing, try to instead focus on how the Swallow Man - and most especially Anna - arrived at that point. At the end of all, Anna's new beginning on the last page just might be the closure - the ending - that she (and maybe we) needed.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)

Author: Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 19, 2013

Published by: Simon & Schuster Margaret K. McElderry

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tessa Gray should be happy — aren’t all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding to Jem Carstairs, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to the Magister, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan of destruction.

He needs Tessa.

Tessa knows Axel Mortmain, the Magister, is coming for her, but not where or when he will strike. Charlotte Branwell, the head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain first. And the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa’s heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, and Will knows he should force himself to find someone else to care for, he is as much in love with her as ever.

In the last words of a dying Shadowhunter reside the clue that might lead Tessa and her friends to Mortmain. But the Shadowhunters of the London Institute cannot stand alone, and in their homeland of Idris, the ruling body of the Clave doubt their claims that Mortmain is coming. Deserted by those who should be their allies and with their enemies closing in, the Shadowhunters find themselves trapped when Mortmain seizes the medicine which is all that is keeping Jem alive. With his best friend at death’s door it is up to Will to risk everything to save the woman they both love.

To buy Will time, the warlock Magnus Bane joins with Henry Branwell to create a device that could help them to defeat the Magister. As those who love Tessa work to save her, and the future of the Shadowhunters that resides with her, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself —for in the discovery of her own true nature, Tessa begins to learn that she is more powerful than she ever dreamed possible. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

THOUGHTS:

I can just hear the gasps of outrage and see the raised eyebrows of disbelief. "I thought you loved this series! How is it possible that you've only read this now, months and months after its release?" I know, I know. See, the reason is pretty simple - I was scared. Since I first cracked open Clockwork Angel one fateful day in August of 2011, I've grown to care so much about these characters. So yeah, even though I got myself a copy of Clockwork Princess the week it was released, I consciously avoided reading it because I couldn't stand the thought of either Will or Jem dying, or Tessa forever breaking the heart of the guy she doesn't choose. Oh wow, even an act as simple as typing out that last sentence is enough to make me want to curl up in a ball and start sobbing - what have you done to me, Cassandra Clare?

Anyway, to cut the long story short, over the weekend, I finally had the courage to pick up Clockwork Princess from my bookshelf, and I settled myself for a good, long read. I prepared myself mentally for what was to come, but really, how on earth do you prepare for something that you just know that will break your heart?

First of all, as always, I have to comment on how Clare's writing blew me away. It has always done so, since I first read City of Bones, but I am struck speechless at how exquisitely detailed the Infernal Devices series is. Everything about it screams 'different time', 'different place', and the amazing thing is, nothing felt forced, nothing felt fake. I never thought, "Oh! I'm reading a book set in Old England which was written by an American ." Nope, nothing like that. Everything was... real. Authentic. The words flowed with ease, and also, though we shift character POV a few times in Clockwork Princess, I had no problem discerning which sublplot belonged to which characters. It's mindblowingly amazing how Clare managed to highlight every character's individuality and at the same time retain that way of speaking that marks them as English. I don't know how she did it, but I sure as heck am not complaining! Despite the serious tones of this last novel, I also loved how Clare managed to keep both Will's and Jem's witty quips and retorts present. Even when smack middle in the dreariest of situations, the fact that Will's dry sarcasm always rears its head never failed to make me smile.

Also, though more than a year has passed since I last read Clockwork Prince, I was transported back to Tessa's England with no problem whatsoever. It's as if I read both the previous books in the series just days ago when it reality, it has been a long time. It was also easy to get back to where we were plot-wise - a war was slowly but surely brewing, and with it, the shadowhunters' were desparate to prevent chaos by keeping Tessa safe; and at the same time, they were hoping to slow down the timebomb that was Jem's life rapidly ticking away. Everything about this book excited me - like any other reader, I had my theories with how everything was going to play out, but not only did I enjoy the numerous and twists Clare had up her sleeve, I also enjoyed absolutely every scene, every interaction before and after we hit the climax. I also found myself caring about all of the main and secondary characters ( I don't think this has ever happened before!) - Will, Jem, Tessa, Charlotte, Henry, Gideon, Gabriel, Sophie, Cecily, Jessamine - every one of them I wanted to emerge unscathed; every one of them I wanted to have his or her happy ending.

This book made me appreciate (even more than I already do) the strong relationship between Will and Jem. Certain interactions (because wow these two have a way with words) actually had to make take a break from reading because I was too overwhelmed with emotions. I know that they're parabatai, and having a good camaraderie comes with the territory, but their brotherhood (or whatever you want to call it) is something else! I know that Jace and Alec are also parabatai, but the relationship between Will and Jem is just in a different level entirely. The way they are so attuned to each other's thoughts and feelings; the way they always put each other first - no one knows Will like Jem does, and no one knows Jem like Will does. I will forever be thankful to Clare for writing such a beautiful friendship that I will never forget.

Usually when I read series with a love triangle, I always end up picking a side to root for (Team Dimitri!Team Jace! Team Gale! Team Adam! Teem Alex!), but for this series... it's simply NOT possible. I love both Will and Jem, and I want them both to be happy. I also love Tessa, and I have never felt frustrated at her confusion between these two boys who love her so dearly. As a matter of fact, I wholeheartedly understand where she's coming from. Before finishing this book, I already knew that I will support and understand whatever decision Tessa makes, and that I did. Throughout the series, I have always admired Tessa's sheer strength of will, as well as her unwavering loyalty to all her friends, and I want her to be happy too. I started this series without rooting for a particular guy to win the heroine's heart, and I ended it just like that.

The ending was just breathtakingly beautiful. I cried at certain parts of the novel, but the tears fell non-stop when I started the epilogue. Everything about this book was wholly satisfying, but the last few chapters, as well as the epilogue, especially so. All loose ends were tied up, and in certain Cassandra Clare fashion, you can't help but have an sudden epiphany of how certain scenes, certain characters' actions, in some books of the Mortal Instruments series now make sense in your head. We were all given a look at how our beloved main characters' lives pan out after the battle with the Magister, and I truly can't ask for anything more.

I was crying my heart out when I finished the last page of Clockwork Princess, and it was for a number of reasons. I was crying because this book was such an emotional read; because the conclusion was just satisfying; and ultimately, because I love this series and these characters so much. There aren't even words in the dictionary to express just how much I'll miss them. I have nothing but the utmost gratitude for Cassandra Clare for creating these characters and this amazing trilogy.

Now I just have to figure out how to get over Clockwork Princess... ;)

Rating: 5 Stars

[Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway] Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan

 

Title: Maid of Secrets (Maids of Honor #1)

Author: Jennifer McGowan
Release Date: May 7, 2013

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Goodreads 

Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril.

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…

THOUGHTS:

Truth be told, I'm not than into historical fiction, be it young adult or not. I've discovered that they tend to bore me, and moreover, I often find it difficult to immerse myself in the worlds of the past. Nine times out of ten, I can barely understand the dialogue, and I can't even begin to imagine the clothes, the coiffure, and whatnot. It's not that the authors don't describe these things - rather, it's because that they describe them TOO much. Paragraphs and paragraphs talking about nothing but dresses and gowns tend to wind me down. Additionally, historical fiction tend to be absurdly long, and even if I find my interest piqued by the initial chapters of the novel, sooner or later, I'll end up bored. So just imagine my trepidation before I started Maid of Secrets - the blurb certainly caught my eye (despite being quite a history ignoramus I am rather fascinated with the reign of Elizabeth I), and I was fervently wishing that my reservation towards anything history-related wouldn't cloud my judgment.

I have no idea how this happened, but the very first page - the very first passage, even, - of this novel had me hooked. And you know what the weird thing is? Those details that had me hating historical fiction in the past are what had me liking this very novel. Sure, the dialogue rings of 'ye olde past' (oh you know what I'm trying to get across), but I had no problem discerning what the characters were trying to say. Moreover, McGowan's vivid descriptions of the the day to day of past England - down to the many pockets sewed into the voluminous skirts of the main character - enriched her storytelling, and allowed me to envision this world that she wanted me to see, and I had no problem doing so. I was thoroughly impressed because McGowan was able to strike a fine balance between showing and telling - she gave me the necessary details I needed to clearly picture Elizabethan England, true, but she never went overboard with flowery descriptions and the like.

Another thing that drew me to this novel was the mystery aspect, and the general plot itself. Come on, five maids especially handpicked by Queen Elizabeth herself to spy for her... who wouldn't want to read about that? These five are quite fascinating characters, most especially our MC, Meg. A talented thief, witty, and possessing a keen talent for mimicry and memorization, being in Meg's head as she goes through some of the most thrilling moments of her life is an enjoyable feat indeed. Meg soon discovers that things are even more convoluted on the inside  - a previous maid was unceremoniously and grotesquely murdered with the killer still on the loose; some peculiar occurrings are causing mayhem in Windsor; and ultimately, some of the Queen's right-hand men are even asking Meg to spy on the Queen herself... Suffice to say that this novel is action-packed, and I never found myself bored!

With spy training, spying on and for the queen - throw in her desperation to return home to her troupe - Meg has her hands full, but a Spanish Count throws the young maid in a loop. Count Rafe de Martine is very much part of the mystery inside Windsor Castle, and Meg has no idea if she should consider him a friend or a foe. One thing's for sure though, there's definitely something brewing between the two, and Meg has no idea what to make of it. I particularly liked how McGowan established the relationship between these two characters - she managed to give their blooming romance enough focus, but not too much that the proper pacing of the plot was cast aside.

All in all, I say with no qualms whatsoever that both McGowan and her series have found themselves a fan in me. I'm excited to see what happens next!

Rating: 5 Stars

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My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century by Rachel Harris

Title: My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century
Author: Rachel Harris
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Published By: Entangled Teen

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother-to-be and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore.

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

THOUGHTS:

I've been avoiding this book for the past month or so now, because one, I generally don't read historical fiction, and two, the cover didn't do anything for me. Anyway, the other day, I was checking out book blurbs here and there, I chanced upon My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century, and to say that its blurb caught my eye is a bit of an understatement. As a matter of fact, I was besotted (Ha, that's a word that's perfect for the sixteenth century!) from the blurb alone! So that's a lesson for me (and maybe for some of you as well) - never ever judge a book by its cover, or even the genre it falls under. I'm so glad that I gave this book a chance, because I loved it.

I loved it! Yes, I just had to say that twice. If you don't believe me, I read this book in one sitting. That was how much I enjoyed it!

First of all, I have to say that the premise is genius! As I have said before, I usually don't read historical fiction in general, but come on - who wouldn't want to read about a 21st century heroine who was magically transported to the sixteenth century? I also enjoyed the fact that the heroine basically had no idea why she was sent back in time, other than the fact that she was to learn important lessons for her adventure. Cryptic to say the least, huh?

The book's MC, Cat, is a character who I'm sure many will find relatable. She's fun, quirky, incredibly witty, and her passion for art is off the charts. She's at that stage in her life where she has a difficult time letting people in - much less actually developing relationships with other people - but I really can't blame her for acting aloof and being wary. Being the daughter of two Hollywood icons, she's been thrust into the spotlight against her wishes and is constantly judged for her parents' actions, and I know that can't be easy for a teenager. Cat is strong and determined, and I loved reading about her. Her character development throughout the book is amazing.

The first few chapters of the book was a fun, light read for sure. I found myself grimacing when Cat found herself in embarrassing situations one after the other; I couldn't help but grin whenever Cat talked in twenty-first century slang much to the confusion of those around her; and I loved how Cat developed strong relationships with the people she met from the sixteenth century. Alessandra, her cousin, is basically the friend Cat never had; Aunt Francesca showered Cat the unconditional love she never had the chance to receive from her mother; and Cat fell head-over-heels in love with Lorenzo, an aspiring artist who is just perfect. (Cat and I are definitely in agreement here!)

The first part of the book might have been fun and light, but let me tell you, the second half just about broke my heart. One particular scene in the end - Cat asking about a particular painting - made my heart thump painfully, and aspects of the ending made me want to wallow in misery. Fine, I may be exaggerating a bit here, but I myself was surprised at how strongly I reacted to the book's last few chapters. I didn't expect that I would feel so much for these characters - most especially Cat and Lorenzo - but next thing I know, I can't stop thinking about them! I will definitely never forget these two characters.

Overall, My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century is a remarkable read. Rachel Harris was excruciatingly detailed in writing about sixteenth century Florence that I truly felt like I was with walking along with Cat in every step of her adventure. This book will make you feel a myriad of emotions, and I will definitely be rereading this in the near future.

Rating: 5 Stars