The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittridge

Published: February 2011 Publisher: Delacorte Press Pages: 493 Copy: From Library Summary: Goodreads

In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical—born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day. Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way—every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different.

Did I enjoy the Iron Thorn? Yes, I did. Did I understand The Iron Thorn? Not so sure about that one! I think this book could be classified as steampunk, but since I haven't read much of that genre, I'm not 100% sure about that. It has an an element of magic and fae and I'm not so sure that steampunk has magic, if someone can enlighten me on this, please do, I'd love to have that cleared up. May'be it's just Fantasy? But, I think what I liked most about Iron Thorn was its differences. It was dark and creepy, weird and wonderful. Full of steam engines and clockwork parts, then magic and fae - it was a study in contrasts. Aoife (and if someone could please tell me how you pronounce that name I will be eternally grateful) is struggling with the knowledge that in a very short time she will go mad, just like everyone else in her family, but I never felt that she was feeling sorry for herself about it. She is the only female student at the school of Engines - way to go girl! - where she holds her own against the other students. Her best friend is Cal, who helps her find her way in the school. He was wonderful - a little naggy at times, but a good friend. When a letter arrives for Aoife from her brother, that's when the fun starts.

There are steam engines, airships, fairy rings (hexenrings) and the Folk. Friends betray friends, enemies triumph and are overcome, new friends are made and kept. There's a bit of romance going on with Aoife and Dean - I really liked him, even though he did smoke. Dean was one of those characters that reminded me a bit of Indiana Jones. You know, ready for adventure, rescues the damsel in distress, bit of a bad boy. There are also surprises coming out of the woodwork - quite literally. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on, another surprise would pop up. Some of them nice, many of them very nasty, some of them downright apalling, (can't say more or it would be a major spoiler) and all of them intriguing. All-in-all a very interesting world that I am looking forward to revisiting when the sequel comes out in ?. Sorry, I know Iron Thorn is the first book in 'The Iron Codex', but I couldn't find news of a second volume on Ms Kittredges site. I'm really, really interested to see what other readers think of this one.

Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Released: Nov. 15th, 2010

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Copy provided by: eARC courtesy of publisher and Netgalley

Summary: Netgalley

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures-goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty-are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.




Anyone who has been following the blog for a while will know that I love fairies and fairytales, and this book is no exception. Athough Tyger, Tyger is not a fairytale in the traditional manner, it is full of goblins and high sidhe, hell hounds and fallen angels and countless other marvellous creatures.

It is also a love story in the true sense. Two people who fall in love at first sight - fated to be together. I just adored Finn - he was a true 'hero' and I loved everything about him. His selfless acts of courage are beautiful. Who dives into water to save someone when they can't swim themselves? Finn does! Teagan is a lovely person too, whose biggest concerns are for her family and friends. She never seems to think of herself, just how she can help others. Their story involves a trip fraught with danger while trying to rescue Teagans father and solve the mystery of her mothers' death.

I could go into detail, but that would spoil the story for you and I think you should read it for yourselves. The title includes the words 'A goblin Wars Book', which leads me to think there will be more, and I can't wait. In short, I loved Tyger, Tyger, and I'm only sorry that so many of you will have another 6 weeks or so before you can read it.

High Five for Anne McCaffrey

Anne McCaffrey has been writing books for over 40 years. She has many series, trilogies and short stories and writes both science fiction and fantasy. One of my all time favourite series is the Dragonriders of Pern. Originally her books were not written for a younger audience, but recently some of her earlier titles have been reprinted and marketed for YA, specifically Dragonsong, Dragonsinger and Dragondrums.

Pern is a world that is complete in every detail, with a rich, multi-layered society. At the top of these layers are the dragons and their riders, who live in weyrs, or dragon holds. It is almost a feudal system, with tithes going to the dragon riders, and as the stories progress, you begin to understand that if it wasn't for the dragons and their riders, there would be no Pern. Each story is basically complete in itself, but many overlap in the time-lines, with the same story being told from a totally different POV.

The three books shown above are often referred to as 'The Harper Hall' trilogy and tell the story of Menolly and her quest to become a harper, or story teller, and how she impresses 9 fire lizards (basically mini dragons). Other books tell different stories about the people and history of Pern. You'll be fascinated by the way the dragons were introduced onto Pern - through gene manipulation. All of the books mention the dragons, but the dragons are not always what the stories are about.

The newest books in the series have been written by Ms McCaffrey and her son Todd, or by Todd McCaffrey on his own. I for one am extremely grateful that he has decided to continue his mother's legacy.

I just finished Dragon Girl (Todd McCaffrey), published in July this year by Del Ray. This is the second story about Fiona, who impresses (forms a telepathic connection with) a dragon at the age of 13 and after 'timing' it (going back in time with her dragon) returns to the weyr at age 17 and becomes weyrwoman. I really enjoyed this newest book in the series, but as I was reading, it dawned on me that newer readers might not fully understand all the references in the book and that's what prompted me to write this post. At the beginning of the book is a short outline that explains some of what has happened prior to the story and this should make it easier for first time readers. One of the things that isn't explained is why when a boy impresses a dragon, his name changes - Kelior to K'lior or something similar - but when a girl impresses a dragon her name stays the same. Doesn't strike me as fair, but then you have to remember the first book in this series was written in 1967.

Don't let that early publication date put you off though. These books are fantasy and there is no technology to make them age or seem out of date. There are basically 3 series about Pern -

The Dragonriders of Pern, The Harper Hall of Pern, The Renegades of Pern and IMO they are all well worth searching out and reading. A full list of all the titles can be found here, along with titles in other series Ms McCaffrey has written.

If I can convince just one person to try Ms McCaffrey's books with this post I will be happy, but I hope many more of you will try them out. Many of her series feature young, strong heroines and are perfectly suitable for older teens. I personally own all but the last three pern books and have read them all many times, they never grow old for me. So - try them out for yourself and let me know what you think. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

In Case You Missed It ....

Author: P C Cast

Released: Originally Dec. 2004, released Sept. 2009

Publisher: Luna/Harlequin Teen

# Pages: 426

Copy Provided By: Library

Summary: Goodreads

I was marked from birth as belonging to the Goddess Epona--but that didn't make my life easy. Because of my "blessings," I was set apart, worshipped, unable to make real connections with others. Then came the Feeling, and with it a glimpse of my destiny. It led me to the MacCallen castle of legend, deserted since the terrible Fomorian war.
I followed the wordless call to breathe new life into a place long dead, but I didn't realize there were dark remnants of the war lingering in the nearby forest--victims and survivors who remained hidden. Others marked as different, powerful. Feared.
My choice was now twofold. I could keep to the happiness and safety of my newfound home, or I could choose a path that led to something more terrible, more dangerous, more thrilling than anything I'd ever expected.
And in that future I might never be alone again...

Elphame's Choice is a love story. It tells the tale of Elphame and Lochlan, and Cuchulain and Brenna. It made me cry, both tears of happiness and sadness - and that's a bit embarrassing at 7:30 in the morning. What a great start to the day.

Elphame has been touched by the Goddess, and as she gets older she decides to follow her destiny and rebuild Castle MacCallen. There she meets Lochlan - and you'll have to read the book to find out more. I'm not giving away the story. Ms Cast's writing is lyrical and tender, descriptive and exciting, and I finished the story in 24 hours. I was immediately enfolded in the world of Partholon and found everything believable and satisfying. The mythology is loosely based on Irish legend and she uses some wonderful Irish names - Cuchulain (pronounced Cuhulin - I had to look it up)is just one of them. Her cast of characters is varied and interesting, if somewhat startling, and I loved all of them. Are you getting the idea that I enjoyed this book. You'd be right.

Readers will remember P C Cast as the author of the very popular 'House of Night' series, written with her daughter Kristen. My understanding is that Harlequin decided to reissue this story as part of the new Harlequin Teen imprint. I don't think it was originally published as a YA novel, but other than one notable exception it fits nicely as a YA. The exception is one beautifully written, but none-the-less explicit, love scene, and this does make the story unsuitable for younger teens.

The follow-up to this tale is 'Brighid's Quest', which I haven't read yet, but plan on doing so immediately. Romance lovers, if you missed it first time around, do yourself a favour and hunt out a copy of Elphame's Choice. You won't be disappointed.

Waiting on Wednesday - Firelight by Sophie Jordan

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted from Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Firelight

Sophie Jordan

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Ooooh!! the first 3 sentences in the summary sound like a movie trailer! Dragons, gorgeous men, mythical powers and beasts. What's not to love about this book? Besides, I do love the look of this cover. I think I'm a cover snob. I hate to admit it but attractive covers really do draw me in. Can't wait til it comes to the shelves - September 7th, 2010. What are you waiting to be released?