Lost in a Good Book

Freak of Nature (IFICS #1) by Julia Crane

22 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, IFICS, Science Fiction, Young Adult Tags: ebook, five stars, IFICS, julia crane, science fiction, young adult

Published: 9th January 2013
Publisher: Valknut Press
Pages: 284
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

Note: I was provided a copy for review

Donate Body to Science. Check.

When seventeen-year-old Kaitlyn checked the box, she never suspected she’d have her life–and her body–stolen from her. She awakens one day in a secret laboratory to discover that her body is now half-robot and is forced to hide her own secret: that she still has human emotions and a human mind. If the scientists who made her find out, they’ll erase what remains of who she was.

Kaitlyn finds an unlikely ally in Lucas, a handsome, brilliant scientist who can’t get over the guilt he feels knowing she was once a vibrant, beautiful young woman. He never expected a science project to affect him the way she does. As he tries to help her rediscover her past, he finds himself falling for the brave girl struggling to find her place and acceptance between the human and computer worlds.

*For mature teens due to some sexual content.

I really enjoyed this book. The story Crane has created and the characters and environment she has developed is one that is not only engaging, but also one that keeps you reading. I found it very hard to put this book down, always wanting to keep the story going, follow where the narrative was taking me and what these characters were doing.

What I often find myself thinking about with books is whether they are plot driven or character driven. I am tempted to say this is character driven, but coupled with this is an equally interesting plot. As you read you become invested in Kaitlyn, all her thoughts, her attempt to hide the fact she has emotions from those around her, and the conflicts she has dealing with her new technology filled body. You also discover Kaitlyn has been designed for a purpose, and we gradually discover what that purpose is. The balance between plot and character is excellent and Crane manages to use both to draw the reader along at just the appropriate moments.

The pace of the novel is well executed; there is a gradual build up filled with interest, curiosity, and even minor suspense. The narrative is one that while it seems not a lot is going on, a lot is, and as a result it pulls you along and you want to know what is happening, what has happened, and what will happen.

The narrative focus switches from Kaitlyn to Lucas on occasion, something which is also balanced well. You don’t need a lot of Lucas’ point of view to tell the story, Kaitlyn’s is the perspective that you want to follow, but Lucas provides readers with the other side, how people view Kaitlyn not just how she views and acts around them. One of the great aspects of Crane’s writing is how she has demonstrated the robotic aspects of Kaitlyn and how they conflict or differ from the human mind that has remained. The duality is clearly shown but there is no overload on technical aspects, but there also isn’t so little that you forget they are there or that make the story seem unconvincing.

What I enjoyed most about reading Crane’s story was Kaitlyn’s character. Kaitlyn is interesting because despite the fact she has emotions, she is not entirely human, there is a lot of technology that makes up her system and this is evident in her conversations with people, how she interprets certain situations around her, and how her body responds. She is highly logical and with the mind of a machine she is able to act and interpret things quickly, but there is still a part of her that is unable to fully grasp all of the human and social complexities. While she has the emotions of a human, she lacks the capacity to fully understand their meaning, and while she understands the language just fine, the confusion regarding colloquialisms and slang remind us that she is still mostly machine and that certain phrases and actions have no meaning to her. The best comparison I could come up with was it is like understanding the language but not the local phrases, while also seeing the entire human race as a foreign species. It is wonderfully done.

I liked the ending, it was a slight surprise but it made sense, it suited the story. It rounded off the entire novel well and leaves room to continue into the next book. Crane has done a wonderful job with this novel, she manages to explore a great idea through great writing and great characters in a way that even in the last few chapters keep you guessing and learning more and by the end leaves you eager to see where the next book will lead.

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Down the Other Street by Jennifer Cie

17 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, General, Short Stories Tags: ebook, four stars, jennifer cie, short story

Published: 29th July 2014
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 135
Format: ebook
Genre: Short stories
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars

Long winded, unemployed, and timid, on the first date Brendan Bloom is already in love. Comfortably arched over his body, Ryan contemplates murder. Cold, necklace gleaming against the pale tint of her collarbone, the passenger could have mercy. Not a little black book, but a faded love letter out from under the sheets. Some romances ignite on sight, others flare at the base of waterless tubs soaked in agitation. Rooted in the South, this collection of short stories delivers five electric confessions of love, sexuality, and identity across time.

Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the author to review.

Down on the Other Street is a collection of short stories that are about love, relationships, sexuality, and discovering who you are. Focusing on the South and across many different time periods, these stories invite you into the intimate lives and emotions of various people, making you realise that people can be a lot more complicated than they appear.

The stories Cie has created are touching, emotional, and unique. They are stories of the passion of love and sexual experience, and the yearning and exhilaration you can experience as a result. The characters are detailed, emotional, in-depth, and trying to discover themselves. They do this through the relationships they have with other people and in each of their stories we see the struggles, social issues, and freedoms that these relationships have on them.

Despite the fact that there are many connecting themes between these stories, no two are truly alike; some of them are so different that it isn’t just the time period that separates them. Two of my favourite stories from the collection are Intellectuals Are Fools and The Blue Bullet, both being excellent stories that capture not only a powerful relationship, but also stories of interest, unanswered questions and filled with the unexpected.

What needs to be mentioned is that while there is a strong focus on love and sexuality, it is in no way explicit, vulgar, or even in there unnecessarily. As someone who has a slight aversion towards explicit sex scenes and over the top romance I found that how Cie has controlled and developed not just the relationships, but also the intimacy and sexual nature, was really well done. There was meaning and emotion brought out through the detail and done so tastefully to the characters and who they are as people without requiring anything to be over the top or disrespectful.

Down on the Other Street will not only open your eyes to the complexities that human emotions are capable of, but also demonstrate that the journey towards discovering your own identity can take many different paths and no two will ever be exactly the same. Cie’s stories follow these many different paths and provide each character with a voice, one that draws in the reader to the emotion and complexities of the surrounding world as well as the character within it and they do so with style and compassion.

The Other Tree by D.K. Mok

11 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 4 Stars, General Tags: dk mok, ebook, fantasy, four stars

Today I have a review for The Other Tree by D. K. Mok as part of her blog tour thanks to Spence City!

Published: 28th January 2014
Publisher: Spence City
Pages: 400
Format: ebook via Edelweiss
Genre: Fantasy
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars

It’s been four years since Chris Arlin graduated with a degree that most people think she made up, and she’s still no closer to scraping up funding for her research into rare plants. Instead, she’s stacking shelves at the campus library, until a suspiciously well-dressed man offers her a lucrative position on a scientific expedition.

For Chris, the problem isn’t the fact that they’re searching for the Biblical Tree of Life. Nor is it the fact that most of the individuals on the expedition seem to be fashionably lethal mercenaries. The problem is that the mission is being backed by SinaCorp, the corporation responsible for a similar, failed expedition on which her mother died eleven years ago. However, when Chris’s father is unexpectedly diagnosed with inoperable cancer, Chris sees only one solution.

Vowing to find the Tree of Life before SinaCorp’s mercenaries, Chris recruits Luke, an antisocial campus priest undergoing a crisis of faith. Together, they embark on a desperate race to find Eden. However, as the hunt intensifies, Chris discovers growing evidence of her mother’s strange behaviour before her death, and she begins to realise that SinaCorp isn’t the only one with secrets they want to stay buried.

The Other Tree is a story that is clever, secretive, and mysterious. It is about two regular people trying to do something extraordinary, driven by determination and personal motives, all the while having a dangerous enemy biting at their heels who is also after the same prize: the Tree of Life. Both parties are after the Tree for very different reasons and we watch as Chris and Luke race against SinaCorp to decipher ancient texts and solve riddles to find the location of the other mystical tree from the Garden of Eden.

One of my weaknesses in reading is being given questions early on that don’t get answered; it will pretty much guarantee I will keep reading just to find out the answer, and find out why I wasn’t told the answer at the time. Mok implements this technique from the start. Asking questions at the beginning of a story that go unanswered for a little bit gets you interested and it keeps you reading because even if nothing has actually happened yet plot wise, you still are left with a question that is dangling in front of you. You want to know why this character thought that the perfect stranger standing in a courtyard was peculiar even if you know nothing else.

Admittedly even with these questions the story started off slowly but it was not without some interest. It picks up in the middle and as the story progressed it gradually became more engaging, as all good adventure stories should. This has been catagorised as a fantasy but surprisingly I kept thinking of it not just as an adventure style story, but one that actually seemed quite realistic. I know that sounds strange considering it is a story about the hunt for the Tree of Life and the Garden of Eden, but so much of this novel made me happy because it played out like reality would. Chris and Luke are not professionals, they aren’t even part of an organisation, they are a botanist and a priest trying to beat a massive corporation, a corporation who have access to the latest technologies, unlimited funding, and specially trained mercenaries, and Mok doesn’t forget that. It’s slowness in part makes it realistic, being untrained and slightly unskilled, the way Chris and Luke tackle the adventure is believable, as another character mentions, they keep stopping regularly for food, they also sleep in motels, have to drive long distances and catch commercial flights to other countries. There is no fast solution, and how they gain their information differs from SinaCorp because it cannot just be bought or analysed with equipment. However, being unskilled doesn’t make them unprepared and a lot of their own unique skills come in handy during their search.

Another great part of the story is the relationship between Chris and Luke. Their friendship is enjoyable and as a result makes the story enjoyable to read. The realism in their relationship becomes more profound as the book continues and the banter, dialogue and support between them are what make it special; it’s natural and reflects how people behave with one another. This realism is also shown with other character relationships. While Chris often jokes to herself about making grand declarations liked heroes do against their foe, she knows it doesn’t happen in reality and while you are making sweeping statements they will most likely turn and shoot you without a second thought. People get hurt, money buys power, and there isn’t always justice.

This doesn’t mean there is no fun in this book. There is a lot of great humour, jokes between friends, great banter between characters and a great mix of sarcasm and fear that makes for an interesting read. Throughout this story Mok balances the seriousness, humour, religion, mystery, and adventure elements perfectly meaning each aspect is evident at the appropriate time and nothing is too overbearing. Mok also includes some great profound statements, not just by characters but also in the narrative, each time never feeling out of place or unwelcome, and offering that serious nature amongst what could be mistaken as a jovial quest in parts.

I am not a religious person, I don’t know much about it and what I do know comes from multiple and various pop culture references and general exposure that occurs from daily life. Having said that, I liked the approach Mok takes with this story and how religion is dealt with. And while it does centre on these religious elements, The Other Tree is more action based story involving religion rather than solely an in-depth religious analysis in itself. What religious aspects that are present are presented in a way that is respectful yet basic, while also being realistic, well placed, and properly used. This presentation is helped a lot by the characters, something that not only brought out the story and the themes really well, but got you to know who these characters were.

Both Chris and Luke are people with something in their past and through their ordeal we slowly see this come to light and see them face what they have been hiding from and who they are a people. But while they are a lot of the main focus, all of Mok’s characters are highly unique, and in their own way they are quite observant and profound, and many have secrets of their own. As you read, and as you see what each character does and what they think, you are able to gain a great sense of who they are as people, sometimes even a simple observation from a third party gives you invaluable insight into who they are and what drives them.

With no spoilers I will say I liked the way Mok ends the book. While I had a few theories running on how it would pan out I think how it was concluded leaves you satisfied. Mok has rounded off this mass adventure and ordeal with respect not just to the characters, but to the reader; it is done without rushing, without being unrealistic for the reality it has created, and it also stays true to the characters and what we’ve come to expect from them. Overall The Other Tree is an adventurous and enjoyable story that gives you the unexpected, the unique, and the unusual all in an interesting story about faith, humanity, and botany.

About the Author

DK Mok lives in Sydney, Australia, and writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories. DK’s urban fantasy novel, The Other Tree, was released in 2014 by Spence City, and her short story ‘Morning Star‘ was shortlisted for an Aurealis Awards. DK’s new epic fantasy novel, Hunt for Valamon, is scheduled for release in January 2015 by Spence City.

DK grew up in libraries, immersed in lost cities and fantastic worlds, populated by quirky bandits and giant squid. She graduated from UNSW with a degree in Psychology, pursuing her interest in both social justice and scientist humour.

She’s fond of cephalopods, androids, global politics, rugged horizons, science and technology podcasts, and she wishes someone would build a labyrinthine library garden so she could hang out there. Her favourite fossil deposit is the Burgess Shale.

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The Donor (Part One) by Nikki Rae

08 Jul 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 5 Stars, The Donor, Young Adult Tags: ebook, five stars, new adult, nikki rae, novella, young adult

Published: 14th July 2014
Publisher: Self published
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/New Adult
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars

[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages)]

Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking.

They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills.

Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know.

All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.

Inside or out.

Note: I was given a copy by the author to review

As a novella that is to become a larger story, this is an excellent introduction. The Donor is a short read but it is also one that grabs the reader’s attention early on. Not necessarily with grand action or immense tension or suspense, but rather with intrigue and curiosity. I think the coupling of reader curiosity with vagueness and mystery in the story are brilliant ways to capture this story. There is something to look forward to, something that makes the reader keep reading, hoping for answers to questions and unprovided explanations.

Casey as a character is interesting. She is independent and loyal, willing to do anything for her family, even if that means keeping secrets from them. As we get to know her we are told about the trouble she and her family have been experiencing, and we also see how much she wants to help without creating additional burdens. I thought of her as a tad foolish in the beginning, not misguided necessarily but maybe a bit easily swayed. Having said that I also understand her actions, and even if I thought she was unwise in the early pages by the end I was more understanding and began to see her as a bit more as brave than foolish, especially after more is revealed.

Through this story Rae doesn’t try and sway readers into one particular opinion or view of Casey which easily could have occurred. A lot of how you see her comes from your own assessment of the actions and circumstances that are presented. There is no strong push to gain sympathy through language or long emotional character thoughts, though that doesn’t mean sympathy of some kind doesn’t form. Based on the information given, and how Rae seamlessly weaves it into the story, readers are free to make up their own minds and judge Casey accordingly.

What I thought was excellent was the way the story has been written and presented. In terms of narrative direction Rae leads you into thinking one thing, and even if you start forming your own alternate theories and expectations she throws you off course again with a simple sentence, something which Rae is extremely skilled at doing. There are flashbacks woven in with present events which draws out the mystery and the answers you are waiting for while also providing us with history and back story allowing the story to progress.

It’s wonderful writing, and writing that keeps you engaged while still offering surprises. This story is not written with a focus on constantly keeping you in suspense however, just under a slight blanket of intrigue as you read along. There is also a wonderful joy as you read and become caught up in clever writing and a very well laid out and very well told story.

With The Donor Rae entices you, surrounds you with vagueness, mystery, a brilliant narrative, and half given answers that leaves you demanding more.

Author Bio:
Nikki Rae is a writer who lives in New Jersey. As an independent author, she has appeared numerously on Amazon Best Seller lists and she concentrates on making her imaginary characters as real as possible. Nikki writes mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

Nikki is also running a giveaway so if you are interested in entering click on the Rafflecopter link!

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Writing Teen Novels with Kaz Delaney

28 Jun 2014 7 Comments

by Amy in General Tags: author event, kaz delaney, young adult

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending an author event with the delightful Kaz Delaney at Wangi Library. Kaz was there to talk about writing for teens and young adults. It was a nice small gathering, just under 20, people who were readers, writers, and book lovers alike. I have seen Kaz speak at multiple events and it is always a pleasure to see to her, as always she was delightful, larger than life and very friendly.

Kaz told us all about how she grew up in and around Newcastle, a Novacastrian born and bred. She also regaled us with stories about growing up and some of the adventures she had. One of my favourite things about author talks is hearing about how they came to be an author. There are always people wanting to know how to get published, but those stories aren’t the same as hearing how an author got published in my opinion. The personal journey of each author is different and fascinating and Kaz’s was no different. One of the things that stayed with me was that she said she had always planned on sending something in but life got in the way. It is reassuring to hear that life pushes its way into the plans of everybody and it isn’t something to feel bad about, especially when it can’t be helped.

With her 20^th year of publishing this year Kaz has 70 books under her belt writing across the board, for teenagers and children alike. Her first big lesson learnt was to trust the editor who had critiqued her first submitted story and while she admits her entry into the writing world was a fairly easy entrée, it did not mean it wasn’t hard work and she acknowledges she was very fortunate. But she has also had her share of rejection, and another interesting lesson she gave us was that in her opinion you can’t really call yourself an author until you’ve been rejected. But you must also see the rejection for what it is, nothing against you personally but rather a critique on the work, separate yourself from it and don’t let it get you down.

Kaz spoke about how it is tough to be author, much harder than it was 20 years ago but noted there are more opportunities for writers these days. What was interesting was Kaz’s take on it. She understands that it gives people more chances but it has the possibility of harming the industry. This I completely understand, with the self publishing world taking off, more people can be published but there is a risk that the quality is not at the same standard as the traditional publishing route is known for, reducing the quality of the work that is being released. As Kaz mentioned, there is a lot of work that gets put out there that was rejected for a reason, and with people anxious to get their work out they don’t always do the extra work to make it right, people need to do themselves the best favour they can when it comes to getting their work out there.

Just before she finished up Kaz gave us some great advice on teen writing. She gave us ten excellent tips in making sure the work is authentic, and of good quality, including a few great insights we should remember. I would love to look at these points in more detail but I won’t do it here, but her top ten list is some excellent advice in how to make your young adult novel, any story really, work for you.

See the world through the eyes of a character. Continually remind yourself who is telling the story.
Don’t get distracted by sparkly things, that is don’t be distracted by a great new idea if it doesn’t fit within your story.
Decisions made by characters must make emotional sense, most teen decisions won’t make logical sense but they must make emotional sense.
Popular culture references can ground or not ground a story so you should be careful, and be wary of copyright issues.
Swearing/not swearing, sex, drugs etc cannot be ignored. You can’t write for teens without tipping your hat to it.
Pacing the novel is important.
There is always hope. You don’t need to end with happily ever after but you always need hope.
Know your genre. Read other books in your genre and notice themes, style etc to guide you.
Love your audience. It’s hard to write in and hard to get published if you don’t like your audience. If you don’t like children and teens don’t write for them.
Don’t limit yourself to writing for young adult.

If you ever get to see Kaz or any author at an event it is never a wasted moment. You can learn so much about writing and books, even if you are not interested in creating yourself it is always wonderful hearing from your favourite author and it lets them know they’re appreciated as well. It is truly a great time and yesterday was another one of those great events I was glad to have attended.