"Skyhunter" by Marie Lu

Skyhunter (Sept. 29, 2020) by Marie Lu.

*This is the first book in a duology.*

When Talin Kanami was eight years old, her homeland of Basea was invaded by the Karensa Federation. She and her mother fled north to Mara in terror and in pain. 10 years later, and Talin hasn’t spoken since the night Basea was invaded due to vocal cord scarring and emotional trauma. She uses sign language, knowing the languages of Basea and Mara. Mara is the last free nation (on this side of the sea), and Mara’s legendary Strikers are the only warriors standing between that nation and annihilation by the Karensa Federation, run by the young, sickly, tyrannical Premier, Constantine Tyrus. Talin, against all odds and through all of the bullying, is a Striker (thank you, open-minded Firstblade Aramin Wen Calla). Strikers don’t just battle the enemy soldiers, but, most specifically, they battle Ghosts. Ghosts are formerly human, but become “monstrous war beasts” after dark poison is poured down their throats. They are grotesque. To kill them, “you must bleed a Ghost out, cutting it at its neck, the only place with a vulnerable vein.” If a Ghost bites a human or scratches them with their poisonous fingernails, one must cut that person’s throat before s/he turns. And if it’s one’s own Shield (a.k.a. Striker partner) … uff da. With Redlen (Red) Arabes’ appearance, he may be the miracle weapon Mara so desperately needs. He’s the Skyhunter. Together with her friends and fellow Strikers Adena Min Ghanna and Jeran Min Terra, they plot to destabilize Karensa. They’ve pledged their lives to Mara and to one another. Strikers are “Bringers of Death,” “Assassins of Monsters.” They are Mara’s saviors and they will give their everything.

            Wow. This first novel in a duology from Marie Lu, one of my favorite authors, blew me away. This story isn’t only another science fiction fantasy set in a dystopia (references to the civilization of the “Early Ones” could be construed as Earth as we would know it) with some battle here and there. No. It runs much deeper than that. Not only do characters have varying skin tones, but Lu doesn’t steer away from xenophobia in her story, with Talin taking the brunt of it (the “Basean rat”). The trajectory of the story, from start to finish, is fast-paced and engaging. The world is expansive, darkly exciting, high-action and brutal with a core group featuring a main character and primary supporting characters that aren’t without sympathy. The way Lu writes is as well-balanced as a perfect sword.

"Midnight Sun" by Stephenie Meyer

Does this story deserve its own solo post? No. There are plenty other YA stories that should’ve easily been solo posts in my own personal arsenal alone, but I decided that it’s not always fair that I only choose books I really enjoy and love.

Midnight Sun (Aug. 4, 2020) by Stephenie Meyer.

Although this story likely needs no explanation, I’ll touch ever-briefly on the simplest of basics. There are beautiful, sparkling, immortal vampires. Fortunately, the core group doesn’t drink human blood. Unfortunately for Edward Cullen, who’s usually maintained such control over any human blood, he encounters Bella Swan. She is human and blushes easily, is self-deprecating, but also thoughtfully stubborn and annoyingly obsessed with Edward, not that he can hear her  thoughts. The Twilight tetralogy follow Bella’s point-of-view (POV) in a very long, but iconic, love story. In “Midnight Sun,” it’s Edward’s turn. Welcome back to Forks, Washington.

            Like ripping off a Band-Aid, I’ll state right away that I struggled with this story. I was once one of those women who sailed through the four books of the Twilight series, but my interest has waned since those years. I read the partial draft that Meyer had on her website back in the day (that was 2008 or 2009) multiple times, which she’d posted after it had been leaked by someone I’m assuming she thought she could trust. I was never Team Edward or Team Jacob (I was not an ardent fan, I’ll admit, though I did see all of the movies in the theater), but I expect that Team Edward has sighed (or squealed?) in content over Edward’s POV. I will say that “Midnight Sun” is more complex than the Twilight series, giving readers deeper characterization. Meyer doesn’t shy away from Edward’s often less-than-sympathetic views toward Bella, at least before he lets himself fall for her, and I did appreciate that darkness. It took away some of the innocence. I also actually liked the well of detail surrounding James’ storyline, when he’s made Bella his fixation and the chase is on. That strategizing felt fresh, and even though one knows how it’ll end, it still felt climactic when James’ end came. Edward’s internal struggles are convincing, despite my own struggle to get through the book. This novel is a love letter to fans, and even though I never chose a Team or redecorated an entire room in a Twilight theme, I still wrote my name on the line and gave myself a high five.

            If you read this post, you should give yourself a high five and leave a comment below!

Merry Christmas 2020!

No matter what degree of tumultuous your 2020 was, I hope you were able to find something merry this Christmas! (Ideas were gained by typing things such as "chalkboard Christmas trees" into a search engine. Credit goes to all people far more creative than me!) (But yes, I did draw this!)

"The Escape" by Lisa Harris

The Escape (Nov. 3, 2020) by Lisa Harris.*

It’s been some years since U.S. Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn have encountered each other, and now they are partners. Their orders are to transport two high-profile prisoners from Seattle to Denver. Two prisoners. Two U.S. Marshals. Two pilots. En route, the plane experiences trouble and goes down somewhere in the Salmon-Challis National Forest (it’s in Idaho). Both pilots are dead, as is one prisoner. The other prisoner, Damon Barrick, is armed and very dangerous. Together, Madison and Jonas will have to negotiate unfamiliar backcountry while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear and always seems to be at least one step ahead of them. This might redirect Madison’s thoughts from focusing on the five-year anniversary of her husband’s murder (the murderer has never been found). And, despite the treacherous situation they’re currently in, Madison and Jonas may find that their hearts are open to each other.

            This romantic suspense, inspirational fiction novel kicks off Book 1 in Harris’ US Marshals series, and it hits the ground running with action, suspense and danger. There’s even an extra element of the threat of danger with the appearance of a black rose. Harris brings us characters that are tireless in their dedication to their craft, but are entirely human in their suffering, romantic and familial relationships and faith. With the way the story ends, readers will find it difficult not to want to read the next installment. I expect this story to be a win with those who enjoy crime fiction and stories with a strong female protagonist.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”