Same Book, Second Look - The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Published: January 2015

Publisher: Little, Brown Books

Pages: 328

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

Review:

I had no idea what to expect from this title.  The last series I read of Holly's was the Black Cat series on Curseworkers so this seemed like it might be a fairytale mash-up/remake.  It sounded interesting and unique plus I love Holly's previous work.

How do I even describe this novel? It was so bizarre at first.  There are a lot of things going on and Hazel has flashbacks of her childhood with Ben as she tries to unravel the mystery of the boy in the glass coffin....especially once he wakes up.  What is her role in his disappearance and is he really the sleeping hero that they have always portrayed him to be or is he much more sinister than that?

What I liked about this novel was that it was completely unpredictable to me.  Hazel was a much more complicated character than I had first imagined and while I thought the story would centre more around the mysterious horned prince, I was mistaken.  Give The Darkest Part of the Forest a read if you are looking for a unique stand-alone and prepared to dive into something unusual.  I enjoyed it!

On a side note, have you ever taken the time to read an author's dedication (at the beginning) and notes (at the end of the book)?  Often I see names of other familiar authors that I have read. It makes me feel like I am part of some exclusive club without paying a ridiculous initiation fee.  It is also a great way to find other authors you may enjoy along the same genre vein.

Parents, there was a little bit of language but not much.  

Check out Curlypow's review here

Fantastic Fairy-tales - The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Published: January 13th, 2015

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 336

Copy: Edelweiss

Summary: Goodreads

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

No-one does faerie stories quite like Holly Black!

Faeries are real in Fairfold and Hazel and her brother Ben are up to their ears in Faerie troubles, even if they don't know it.  Ms Black pulls on several well known fairy tales - Sleeping Beauty being the most obvious - in this modern tale of fae and human interactions.  I could just picture Hazel and Ben as kids, with their pretend costumes and swords, trying to save the sleeping faerie prince.

There are some intriguing twists and false leads in the story, so that the reader is almost at as much of a loss as the characters to know what is going on, and there is enough mystery and adventure to keep most people happy, and just enough romance too, although some of it might surprise you - not quite the usual 'happily ever after'.

This was fun and quick to read and if you like your faerie (fairy - what is the difference?) tales with a modern slant I'm sure you'll enjoy this one.

Black Heart by Holly Black - Guest Post

Published: April 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 296

Copy: Library

Summary: Goodreads

Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?

For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.

The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?

Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all. 

Let us go back a little. I loved White Cat. It was so different. A wonderful blend of mystery, gangsters and magic. Next comes Red Glove, which while I enjoyed and the story kept moving, it suffered from a mild case of second-book syndrome in my eyes. Now, we’re onto Black Heart. And be still my heart!

Black Heart picks up where Red Glove left off (which let’s be honest, it was a bit of a mess, what with dead brothers, Lila moving up in the family business and so on). Holly Black never disappoints, but she was on point with Black Heart, tying up all the loose ends and making sense of Cassel and Lila (sort of...). The action never stopped, and I was always left questioning – WWCDN? (What Would Cassel Do Next?). Lila stepped into her father’s business wonderfully, without jeopardizing the character of the scared (but willing to rip your head off) little girl that once upon a time was a cat. The banter between Barron and Cassel is also enjoyable, although I would love another book from Barron’s perspective, just to figure out what is going on in the man’s head.

All in all, a wonderful and awesome, awesome end to a trilogy. Or will it be more? Do we get more Curse Workers books? I’d also love to high-five Ms. Black, to the nods to her fellow YA writers (I do believe the pageant from Beauty Queens was on TV at some point, watched by a character named Jace). And her subtle way of letting us know just what kind of a world this was she has built (an alternate reality. Yes, that means that in another dimension, you could be wearing gloves full time for fear of being worked!). Wonderfully subtle, and exciting for those in the know (you know when you see an Easter egg in a book or website, it always gets you giddy).

Lastly, I couldn’t end my ramblings without addressing the re-styling of the books. Personally, I’m on the fence about it. While I never loved the covers previously, I still don’t love the new style covers. And they have the added benefit of irritating me by ruining my matching set – I own both White Cat and Red Glove...but I refuse to buy Black Heart because I can’t get a cover to match the two I own. Is this wrong? Am I being ridiculous? Likely. But I wish publishers and authors would recognize that people like me exist, and save their re-designs for the trade paperback and pocket paperback editions. Or the re-issue of them in 5 years. But I got over it. Thank heavens for libraries –so I could read this gem of a book, regardless of what its cover looked like!

Thanks so much to Special K for this great review of Black Heart.  I can't wait to read this one.

The Poison Eaters by Holly Black

Published: March 2011

Publisher: McElderry

Pages: 212

Copy Provided by: Simon and Schuster Canada

Review:

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this title from Simon and Schuster Canada to review a few months ago and have only now been able to pick it up.

Do you ever have those moments when you want to read something so badly but you just don't have much time or focus?  That's where I've been at this month.  It has been so difficult for me to complete a book, let along the normal 4 that I have on the go that I decided that I needed something a bit more bite-sized.  Let's put it in Curlypow terms.  It's like trying to tackle a whole butter tart when you know you need to fit into that formal gown but decide to go for a two-bite size instead.  That's how I feel about the Poison Eaters.  It was just perfect for a weekend of lounging outside and reading quick tidbits. 

Ms Black has some kind of magic running through her fingertips and onto the page because I find that she writes in a style that is so unique.  She makes me laugh, makes me think and sometimes just makes me go hmm....Her ideas always differ and I find it fascinating how an author can be so diverse.  I enjoyed all of the short stories in The Poison Eaters.  If you're in the mood for just a little nibble of fantasy and magic, I suspect you'll enjoy this one too.  Do you have a favorite short story anthology?

Double Take - Red Glove by Holly Black

Published: April 2011

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 320

Copy Provided by: Simon and Shuster Galley Grab

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.
 
Review:
Christinabean = blue
Curlpow = black
 
Curlypow and I were lucky enough to read Red Glove through the Simon and Shuster Galley Grab program.  I had a whole bunch of quotes saved but of course once the release date came along,  Adobe locked me out of my bookmarked favourite quotes.  (shaking fist at the screen....) Da** you Adobe!! 
 Double Da** from me.  I had several  quotes as well.  Note to self - start using the notebook again!  I just loved this installment in the series.

I am really enjoying this series.  I'm not sure if I can put my finger on just one thing though.  I have found that especially after meeting Holly in person and listening to how she formulates her ideas, I have a better appreciation for her writing.  I am finding so many novels recently are vampires, zombies, demons or dystopia.  Holly brings an interesting twist to YA by involving the mob and magic.  It's unique and it works.  My favourite part about Holly's writing is that it isn't all serious.  She has a wicked sense of humor (no wonder why Holly and Cassandra are writing partners) and has great one-liners. 
Christinabean, you are so right about this.  The humour in these books is amazing.  I have found myself snorting out loud on several occasions while reading this, which is fine when I'm on my own, but not so great when in public:)
 
OK, let's talk characters.  I really feel for Cassel.  He's alreday assumed to be the bad boy just from his lineage and he tries so desperately to do the right thing...but seldom receives credit for it.  I said it before and I'm going to say it again, Nick from The Demon's Lexicon and Cassel need to go on a man date.  In fact, throw in Jace from The Mortal Instruments and we'd have quite the conversation.  I know that Hollty Black, Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan are all close friends.  Can you imagine if their characters met?
 Can I pre -order a copy of this book if it ever gets made.  Such great characters, all trying so hard not to let people know that they really are good guys at heart.  I love them all.

Anywho, I digress.  Cassel, Cassel, Cassel, he's such a smart cookie but oh so smitten with Lila.  I hope these two lovebirds can get their act together.  Ms. Black she seems to have a gift for keeping Cassel 3 or 4 steps ahead of everyone else.  Even if he is in a panic, he always seems to be in control. 
Ok, here is where I differ in opinion - I'm not so sure about Lila.  Most of the time I like her, but I'm not convinced that she and Cassel are right for each other.  She seems to have some issues to me - of course, if I'd been a cat for as long as she was, maybe I'd have issues too?  Cassel really is a smart cookie, and I love that about him.  Even tho' he is a worker, he seems really grounded to me.  He makes mistakes, doesn't always do the right thing, but has a knack for making things right in the end.
 
Black Heart is book #3 in the Curse Workers series and is coming out in 2012.  Can't wait to read this.  Don't forget that Holly and Cassandra will be in Burnaby, BC Monday April 18th!  If you go, please let us know how much fun you had!
Just loved this book and can't wait to get my hands on number 3.

Waiting on Wednesday - Red Glove by Holly Black

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine , that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary:

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Red Glove comes out April 5, 2011 (same day as City of Fallen Angels!!).  Both Curlypow and I were lucky enough to get the e-galley for this title and will be reviewing it soon.  Look out for a double-take in the near future!!

Same Book, Second Look - White Cat by Holly Black

Published: May 2010

Published By: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 310

Copy Provided: bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.


Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

Holly Black has created a gripping tale of mobsters and dark magic where a single touch can bring love — or death — and your dreams might be more real than your memories.

Review:
We have all read books with the same cookie cutter type storyline, plot and sequence of events. They remain popular because it is a formula that works and to some degree, we as readers are given control because we can predict the outcome of the story. Sure the characters have different names and sometimes the author may throw you for a loop but they are comfortable to read.

Holly Black does not do this with The Curse Workers series.

Right from the start I was intrigued with the idea of "Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest tough of their hands" (cover flap). She weaves the idea of magic with the mob and throughout this novel I kept wondering - what the heck is going on?? It wasn't enough to stop me from reading though. Cassel, the main character has a conscience and seeks answers. He is driven and vulnerable and we see the story from his point of view.

Attending the Holly Black/Cassie Clare book signing gave me even more respect for Holly. This woman really is passionate about writing and isn't afraid to tell you that it takes hard work, research and perseverance. For instance, when she first started writing, she had crazy ideas and once had to stand in front of a crowd during a workshop and read her piece. She admitted it was crap but that was OK as long as she kept going. For those of you who are writers, keep writing every day. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as you are writing.

So back to White Cat. I found this novel to be an original story, something I had not expected and enjoyed every minute of it. I love novels that have a very different premise or idea to begin with. I think you might enjoy it too. Looking forward to Red Glove, book #2 in the Curse Worker series coming out in April 2011.

Cassandra Clare and Holly Black Author Signing



When Christinabean and I got to Chapters for this signing, we had learned our lesson. We got there early and plunked ourselves in a seat. We then took turns going to get books, snacks, bathroom breaks etc. It was so much better waiting when you have a seat! We had a lovely surprise when Jennifer Shannon, the Marketing Director for Chapters, Central Canada, called on the two of us to go up and help with the draw for tickets to the Suzanne Collins signing on Nov. 20. We were both gobsmacked (yes I know it's an odd word, but it fits the bill!) to say the least. We had met Jennifer when we were at the Smart Chicks signing. Thank you so much, Jennifer, it was lots of fun - we felt as if we had made it to the 'big time'.

When CC and HB finally came out for the signing, only a very few minutes late, they did readings from their books 'City of Fallen Angels' and 'White Cat'. CC did ask anyone who was recording with their cell phones to stop, and my memory is not that good, so I can't give you any previews, sorry.

After the readings they told us some stories. Cassie Clare talked about her visit with Sarah Rees Brennan to Europe taking pictures of Victorian architecture for the book, only to realize too late that she had taken a photo of a nude man cooking his breakfast - Paparazzi here we come!

Holly Black told a wonderful story about research for the book -specifically what it would be like to be tied up in the trunk of a car. So she was! Only to realize that the car was a hatch-back and everyone could see into the back window! Holly's advice is that if this should ever happen to you, be sure to ask for a neck pillow!

HB mentioned that White Cat is inspired by a fairytale called 'The White Cat' and she went on to describe the story in hilarious detail. I can't begin to explain it to you, but if you are interested HERE is a link to the tale from Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy Book. She also mentioned that she is very interested in characters with their moral compasses off point, which is ably illustrated in this new book.

Cassie Clare brought her award from the Chapters 2010 Teen Read Awards. Jace won for Best Hottie. I'm sure she was just accepting on his behalf. He must have been off killing demons or something. It is a great big heavy glass award and she says it's great for deterring muggers.

Earlier we fans had submitted questions for the two to answer and this is just a sample of their replies -

Q & A
CC - If you could pit any of your characters against other characters from another book, who would it be? - Dumbledore and Magnus (what a great duel that would be!)

HB - Do you have any plans to continue writing the Spiderwick Chronicles? - No, not at the moment but she would not be adverse to the idea. Talk to Tony.

CC - Let's discuss Magnus' sexuality. Is he gay or bisexual? - He is bi.

HB - How do you come up with such original names? - She takes a familiar name and a word that she likes and combines them. (I'm quoting here) She "mushes them together".

CC - In regards to Magnus, how far will Alex and Magnus' relationship go? - Camille will return in City of Fallen Angels book 4.

CC - Will you write more Shadowhunter books after Book 6? - Book 6 is the end but she does have ideas for the Shadowhunter series in different worlds. It would be a totally new trilogy and Mortal Instruments characters may have walk on parts. She would like to work on a ton of other projects outside of the Shadowhunter series.

CC - Why was Church blue? - Actually, Church is not literally blue, he is a blue persian cat. Cassandra spent much of her time writing at Holly's house and Fizgig (Holly's blue persian cat) is silvery blue so she thought she would write him into the book.

CC- Do you know what the novels will be like before you write? - When pitching, you have a completed ending and you know where to start but often the middle changes as you write.

HB - White Cat is a very different story from the rest of your novels, was it difficult to write? -Holly wrote White Cat from a male perspective and in first person which was hard.

CC - Are Will and Jace related? - They share the same last name and there are 5 generations between them.

Both - If you weren't writing, what would you be doing? HB - would be a teen librarian (yea!!) CC - would be a reporter.

Best quote of the evening - Cassandra Clare said "Writers are fascinated with weird things. This is what we do."

As you can see, the line up to meet both authors was extremely long! This is only part of the line (the front part). All in all Christinabean and I had a fantastic evening, and because we were at the front of the signing line (well about 20th anyway) we even had time to go out for dinner afterwards.



When will the next signing be - that would be today, 1:00 - Suzanne Collins, injured hand and all. This is a ticketed event and we could only get one ticket. So I get to go, on the condition that I get Christinabean's book stamped. Oh the sacrifices I make! I'll tell you all about it next week. That is of course assuming that I don't get lost on the way. I won't have Christinabeans trusty GPS to give me directions.

Cassandra Clare and Holly Black preview



Wow! What a fantastic evening! I took the day off to attend a book signing with Curlypow in Etobicoke on Friday for Holly Black and Cassie Clare. Since it is nearly 1am and I'm slowly losing consciousness, here's a little snippet of our author visit. If this seems a bit disjointed, I'll write more once I get some zzz's and it will make more sense -

Things we learned about Cassie Clare and Holly Black

• Holly Black talks nuts. No, really! She is all about con men, fairytales about nuts and likes getting locked in the trunks of vehicles


• White Cat is out if you haven't already read it, Red Glove (can't wait!) will be out April 5, 2011 and Black Heart will be coming in 2012


• Cassandra Clare is hilarious! She takes photos of nude men cooking and has been using her Teen Read award as a defensive weapon. Plus, she isn't afraid of wearing bright colored tights


• City of Fallen Angels, book #4 in The Mortal Instruments series has been submitted to her editor. Can't wait for this one either!! (We think she said it would be out in April - but don't quote us on that, we're not sure)


• All in all, Cassie Clare + Holly Black = An incredibly entertaining, Dynamic Duo....ladies, have you ever considered writing a book TOGETHER?

Let's hear it for the boys!

Author: Holly Black

Released: May 4th, 2010

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Copy provided by: Christinabean

# of pages: 310

Summary: Goodreads

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

The main protagonist in this story is Cassel, the only 'normal' in a family of curse workers. His mother is in jail, his grandfather is a deathworker, - with the fingerless hand to prove it - and his brothers are goons for the local crime family. At the beginning of the story he is sent home from school for sleepwalking - out on to the roof. Cassel's main goal is to con his back into school, but along the way he encounters problems. When Cassel becomes aware that things are not quite as they seem, his confusion was realistic, and you appreciate his hesitation about involving non-workers to help him solve his problems. You know what it's like when you are sure something is wrong, but you just can't quite put your finger on it? While the family dynamics were not anything I am used to I found them to be believable within the context of the story. I enjoyed the pacing and managed to finish the book fairly quickly.

I am sure that this will appeal to the guys out there. While there are female characters, they are in the background and the mob parallels I'm sure will be a hit. Cassel is a bit of an underdog, and we all root for the underdog, right? It was an interesting take on magic and I quite enjoyed the mystery - great twist at the end. Don't get me wrong though, girls will enjoy this too. The cover shows that this is the first in a series, so I'm looking forward to further adventures with Cassel and his friends.