Book Review: Loki's Wolves

In Viking times, Norse myths predicted the end of the world, an event called Ragnarök, that only the gods can stop. When this apocalypse happens, the gods must battle the monsters--wolves the size of the sun, serpents that span the seabeds, all bent on destroying the world.

The gods died a long time ago.

Matt Thorsen knows every Norse myth, saga, and god as if it was family history--because it is family history. Most people in the modern-day town of Blackwell, South Dakota, in fact, are direct descendants of either Thor or Loki, including Matt's classmates Fen and Laurie Brekke.

However, knowing the legends and completely believing them are two different things. When the rune readers reveal that Ragnarok is coming and kids--led by Matt--will stand in for the gods in the final battle, he can hardly believe it. Matt, Laurie, and Fen's lives will never be the same as they race to put together an unstoppable team to prevent the end of the world.

When I heard that Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr were co-writing a novel, I didn't even care what the novel was about. They've long been my favorite authors, so I knew whatever they came up with would be brilliant. And... I was right! Loki's Wolves is the first book in their middle grade series, The Blackwell Pages. It follows Matt (a descendant of Thor) and Fen and Laurie (descendants of Loki) as they try to save the world.

Matt finds out early on that Ragnarök is upon them. The end of the world. And it's up to Matt, a middle schooler, to save everyone. If he can't stop Ragnarök, most everyone on Earth will die and an ice age will be upon them. When he finds out that his family might not want to stop the end of the world, he takes off to find the other descendants of the Norse gods to help him.

I really enjoyed this book. One of the best things about reading a book by Melissa Marr based in folklore or mythology is that I know it was done right. Melissa knows her stuff when it comes to lore, and I appreciate that. I love folklore and mythology, and nothing bugs me more than when it's screwed up.

Both Melissa and Kelley are amazing storytellers, and together they've created a fun, fast-paced book. It might be shelved in Middle Grade, but it can definitely be enjoyed by all ages. Pick this one up. You won't regret it.

Book Review: Faery Tales and Nightmares

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.

Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

I am a huge fan of everything Melissa Marr has done. I think, regardless of premise, I will read it and love it. She is a fantastic story-teller, and her use of folklore is amazing. Faery Tales & Nightmaresis an anthology, so for this review, I will spend a bit of time on each story. I won't say much about each story, especially the Wicked Lovely world shorts, so as to avoid spoilers.

"Where Nightmares Walk" is an interesting opening. It's very short, but the visuals are amazing. It is followed by "Winter's Kiss" a tale of a girl and a polar bear. Nesha was a princess who's breath was like winter. She could create snow on a hot summer day. Until she journeyed with a polar bear. "Winter's Kiss" was my favorite in this anthology. Next came "Transition" which was previously published in Teeth, a vampire anthology, and "Love Struck" a selchie story from Love is Hell. These four stories show just how amazing Melissa's use of folklore is in that they are so diverse.

"Stopping Time" and "Old Habits" are two Wicked Lovely world shorts, both of which has been previously available as ebook only. Definitely don't read these until after Ink Exchange. They wouldn't be quite as amazing without knowledge from the series. "Stopping Time" is a fun, sexy short following up on Leslie and Niall. "Old Habits" tells the story of Irial... and his inability to break some of his old habits. The thing I loved about this one was Irial's interaction with High Queen, Sorcha.

"The Sleeping Girl and the Summer King" was an amazing addition to this collection. Melissa wrote this years ago, and it eventually evolved into Wicked Lovely. I knew it had been a short story first, so I've been wanting to read this for years. I was surprised and excited to find out it'd be here. This short was my second favorite of the anthology. It's so unlike Wicked Lovely, yet if you've read the novel, you can pick out which pieces trickled over.

"The Art of Waiting" was creepy, but "Flesh for Comfort" surpassed the creep factor. Both were interesting shorts, not set in a world Melissa has written before. These are two of the shortest works in this anthology, but also two of the most interesting.

The last three stories are also Wicked Lovely world. "Cotton Candy Skies" is a post Radiant Shadows story, revolving around Rabbit and his life in Faerie. "Unexpected Family" is a post Darkest Mercy story, starring Seth. For the first time in the series, we get to meet his parents. "Merely Mortal" is another post Darkest Mercy story. It was previously published in Enthralled, an anthology Melissa co-edited with Kelley Armstrong. And it tells the story of where Keenan and Donia are after the series end. These last three stories were my least favorite in this collection, but still amazing. Don't forget to read the Wicked Lovely series before these, or you'll be spoiled big time.

I highly recommend the Wicked Lovely series and Graveminder, as they are both amazing. And, of course, pick this one up once you finish Darkest Mercy. Melissa Marr has a new novel called Carnival of Souls coming this fall from Little, Brown. And if you're a fan of her works, be sure to check out the Wicked Lovely fansite and Rath and Ruins.

Short Story Review: Love Struck

Sure, love is hell. But it’s totally worth it.

In these supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers—Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely), Scott Westerfeld (Specials), Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness), Gabrielle Zevin (Elsewhere), and Laurie Faria Stolarz (Blue is for Nightmares)—love may be twisted and turned around, but it's more potent than ever on its quest to conquer all.

From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.

"Love Struck" is Melissa Marr's contribution to the anthology Love is Hell. Alana leaves a party on the beach and meets Vic, a hot guy with dreadlocks. He scares her. And the moment she gets away from him, she meets Murrin, another hottie. Both offer her their pelts, and it's then that she realizes that she met two selchies. Both of whom try to trap her. Selchies (or selkies) are seal people from folklore.

In all of the stories she's heard, it's the selchies who are trapped. But she realizes that it's the other way around. It's the selchies, the fey, who trap humans. Can either of them be trusted? She's going to have to figure out which one is more trustworthy and hope she picks the right one.

I love this story. And one of the selchies in this story is my favorite male character that Melissa Marr has written. While it's not set within the Wicked Lovely series, it is faery, so it very well could be set in that world. One of the things I find most interesting about this story is the flip from what I usually hear. A selchie woman's pelt is stolen, and she is stuck with the person who stole her pelt, until she can find it and escape. Not only is it the men in this story that are selchies, but they're the ones doing the trapping. Which makes complete sense to me. They fey are magical and cunning, and it seems more likely that they would do the trapping instead of being trapped.

Be sure to check this story out. Don't want the anthology? You can find "Love Struck" by itself in ebook form.

Book Review: Graveminder

"Sleep well, and stay where I put you."

I have been a fan of the Wicked Lovely series since book one. I was lucky enough to get to read three of the books in the series early, and now, Graveminder. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I loved her faeries. But this was walking dead… and adult.

I LOVED IT!   Honestly, in my opinion, it was even better than her Wicked Lovely books. The writing was amazing. If you’ve read her young adult series, you can see the writing getting stronger with each book. The story was new and unique. The characters were well developed. I can’t say enough good things about this book. Definitely pick this one up when it hits shelves.

Synopsis:

Rebekkah Barrow never forgot the tender attention her grandmother, Maylene, bestowed upon the dead of Claysville, the town where Bek spent her adolescence. There wasn't a funeral that Maylene didn't attend, and at each Rebekkah watched as Maylene performed the same unusual ritual: three sips from a small silver flask followed by the words "Sleep well, and stay where I put you." 

Now Maylene is dead and Bek must go back to the place--and the man--she left a decade ago. But what she soon discovers is that Maylene was murdered and that there was good reason for her odd traditions. It turns out that in placid Claysville, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected. Beneath the town lies a shadowy, lawless land ruled by the enigmatic Charles, aka Mr. D--a place from which the dead will return if their graves are not properly minded. Only the Graveminder, a Barrow woman, and the current Undertaker, Byron, can set things to right once the dead begin to walk.

*If I get to 750 blog followers by the time I meet Melissa again on May 27, I'll give a signed copy away ;) *

Book Review: Fragile Eternity

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr is ranked at the bottom of the Wicked Lovely books, but it is still an amazing installment. I think that really says something about the series and Melissa as an author… when you can still love the one you like the least.

This book goes back to the Summer and Winter Courts and the protagonists from Wicked Lovely. Ash still loves Seth, but is drawn to Keenan. And then there’s Donia who has been in love with Keenan for a long time. The story grows more complex as new obstacles are thrown in the way.

The most exciting thing about this book, though, is the new court. The High Court. Not new as in newly formed, but new to the series. The High Court is run by Sorcha, one of the first faeries, and right now they live in Faerie. So not only do we get to meet new characters, but we get to see an entire new world.

I'm really enjoying re-reading this series! Don’t forget to check out this entire amazing series: Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows, and Darkest Mercy. And while you’re at it be sure to read the manga trilogy and “Stopping Time” and “Old Habits”, short stories set in the Wicked Lovely world.

US Cover

Synopsis:

Seth wants to be with Aislinn forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Keenan stole Aislinn's mortality to make her a monarch. Now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and to each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

US  Hardback (under the dustjacket)

Book Review: Ink Exchange

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr is the second book in the Wicked Lovely series. It’s more of a companion than a sequel. While Aislinn, Keenan, Seth, and other characters from Wicked Lovely are present, they are in the background while the Dark Court steps front stage.

We get to learn a lot about Leslie, who we met in Wicked Lovely. However, we met her through Aislinn’s eyes, so not everything about her is as we thought. She has a painful background, and in this book, her life doesn’t get easier. She is pulled into the world of the faeries, to the Dark Court. The Dark Court is the court of shadows and nightmares, pleasure and pain, where faeries feed on emotion. And the Dark King needs humans to help feed his court.

Leslie feels safe in Pins and Needles, with tattoo artist – and halfling – Rabbit. But using the blood and tears of the Dark Court, Rabbit binds Leslie to the Dark King, changing Leslie’s life forever.

I’ve heard many people say they weren’t going to read this book because the main characters change. Don’t let that stop you from reading it. I loved Wicked Lovely, but I loved Ink Exchange more. I didn’t think that was possible. The story is dark and compelling, amazing and powerful… and possibly my favorite of the five.

US Cover

Synopsis:

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

 UK Cover

Book Review: Wicked Lovely

Despite the fact that I’ve already read Darkest Mercy, I’m rereading the entire series to prepare for the release. I just finished rereading Wicked Lovely. This is the third time I’ve read it, and I love it more every time.

One thing that I love about this story is the modern story-telling mixed with centuries old faery lore. I’ve always had an interest in faeries, and I love researching when it comes to folklore. It’s very interesting to me the way Melissa weaves old tales with something new.

In the beginning of the series we meet Aislinn, a mortal with the Sight. She can see faeries, and she was raised to believe they are all dangerous. Keenan, the Summer King wants her for his queen. He normally doesn’t have much of a problem with girls, but Aislinn knows what he is. And she knows to stay away.

Not only is the story-telling amazing, but the characters are interesting and well-developed. I love the descriptions of the faeries… beautiful and terrifying. Faeries (like other supernatural beings) have a different idea of what is right and wrong. Their behavior is fun to watch. Although, if I was Ash, I doubt it would be so fun.

If you need another reason to read this book… a movie is in the works. And you want to read it before you see it, right?

Synopsis:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale.

Book Review: Darkest Mercy

I got a chance to read an ARC of Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr months ago. The Wicked Lovely series is without a doubt one of my favorite series. So when this book came in the mail, I hugged it, and then I had dinner with it sitting next to me, and then I dove in. I was excited and afraid. I devoured the book in one evening, staying up late to finish. I didn't want to finish, but I didn't want to put it down. I needed to know how it all ended.

This is quite possibly the hardest review I've ever had to write. I want to just gush and gush and gush. Because I thought it was absolutely amazing. But I'm really trying to stay away from the fangirling as a general rule. When I'm reading a book that is part of a favorite series, I find I have higher hopes than I do for other books. So I'm always nervous. But this being the final book in the series caused me to be extra nervous. Of course, once I dove in all nerves ran away with my eyes glued to the page.

The Wicked Lovely community is the one place I hang around online the most, so I'm worried about saying too much. Too many people who haven't read it know what I wanted to happen. Some of it did happen. Other things didn't. There was some disappointment when things didn't go the way I wanted, but I have to admit... the choices Melissa made, the way she took the story made more sense than some of the things I wanted. I am more than pleased with the final book in the series. 

If you've read the four first books in the series, you know what's coming. You knew there would be deaths and sadness. But I actually didn't cry during the book. One part shocked me so much I had to put the book down and walk away for a few minutes. It wasn't one of the sad parts, though. But once it was over... when I finished the epilogue, I cried. I put the book down and cried. Because it was amazing. Because one of my favorite series is over. Because I ate it all up in a few hours instead of savoring it over the course of a few days.

Despite the fact that I've read the book, February 22 is still bittersweet. That's the day this book hits the shelves. And it's not really the end. I still have the third manga, Resolve. I still have the short stories that are set to come out digitally, and then in an anthology spring 2012. 

I can in no way be disappointed. This series ended on a high note. Is there more story? Yeah... there could be. But I have to commend Melissa on ending it where she did. Nothing is worse than seeing a series so drawn out that no end is in sight and the writing/story grows boring and monotonous. I really can't put into words how much I love this series and this book in particular. I'm pretty sure it's my new favorite of series. 

So... if you haven't read this series, you have just enough time to read Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, and Radiant Shadows before Darkest Mercy hits the shelves.

Thank you, Melissa, for writing this amazing series. It's been such an important part of my life, I can't even say. 

Synopsis:

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

Book Giveaway: Darkest Mercy

Contest Closed! Thanks for entering.

My amazing contact at Harper Collins was able to score me an extra copy of DARKEST MERCY by Melissa Marr! I was surprised to see it in my mailbox. So I am giving it to you... Maybe... Depends on if you're my lucky winner.

To enter, fill out this form. If you leave your entry in a response, and don't fill out the form, you won't be entered.

Must be a follower of my blog.

US/Canada only. Sorry. Rules for ARCs.

Winner announced midnight EST when 2011 rolls in for me!

Book Covers: Darkest Mercy

Melissa Marr just posted the cover to the final Wicked Lovely book: DARKEST MERCY. If you saw the leaked picture, then you can probably see that this one is even more gorgeous. The flower is amazing. Also, if you hadn't guessed, that's Donia on the cover. I seriously can't wait to read this book.

Also, Melissa said the vines are still being tweaked.

Book Review: Radiant Shadows

OMG! I was very lucky to win an ARC (advanced readers copy) of Radiant Shadows by the absolutely fabulous Melissa Marr. And this book was definitely my favorite. I love Ani. She's one of the most interesting characters in the series. And Devlin. *swoon* He's my new favorite guy. Definitely look for this one on the shelves in mid-April. And in the meantime read WICKED LOVELY, INK EXCHANGE, and FRAGILE ETERNITY.


And don't forget the manga series: SANCTUARY and CHALLENGE (which hits stores early April).

Meeting Authors: Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr

Last Sunday I got to meet Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong. They are two of my top five favorite authors (others include Charles de Lint, Holly Black, and Kim Harrison). I've been a fan of Kelley's Women of the Otherworld series since before book three (book ten comes out in the fall). And more recently her Darkest Power Trilogy. Melissa is a more recent discovery. I read her first book last fall, and then after winning an ARC of her third book, I read books two and three back in January. I had such a great time meeting them and Karen, a fellow fan, I met them again on Wednesday at the Library of Congress (where I met two other fans from Melissa's site). We got free bookmarks, wristbands, and Melissa even took us out to lunch after.

This picture is from the event on Sunday (Kelley, Melissa, Me, and Karen).


This was taken after lunch on Wednesday (Tegan, Melissa, Ashley, and Me).

If you're interested, here is a book list for each.

Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

Bitten

Stolen

Dime Store Magic

Industrial Magic

Haunted

Broken

No Humans Involved

Personal Demon

Living with the Dead

Frostbitten

Waking the Witch

Spellbound

*also has many short stories in anthologies

The Darkest Powers (YA) by Kelley Armstrong

The Summoning

The Awakening

The Reckoning

The Gathering

Nadia Stafford by Kelley Armstrong

Exit Strategy

Made to be Broken

Wicked Lovely(YA) by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely

Ink Exchange

Fragile Eternity

Radiant Shadows

Darkest Mercy

Wicked Lovely Manga (YA) by Melissa Marr

Sanctuary

Challenge

Resolve

Has a short story in Love is Hell about selchies and a new adult series that she has recently started.