"Her Radiant Curse" by Elizabeth Lim

Her Radiant Curse (Aug. 29, 2023) by Elizabeth Lim.

<This is both a standalone and prequel novel.>

There are two Jin’aiti sisters of Sundau in the Tambu Isles. Channari (Channi) is as monstrous as Vanna is beautiful. Channi wasn’t born with a serpent’s face, but Vanna was born with a golden light in her heart. Vanna’s the only person who values and loves Channi. Vanna was supposed to be the sacrifice to the Demon Witch, Angma, a tiger demon, as a newborn, so their mother could live. Angma plans to claim Vanna by her 17th birthday, which is two days away. As if that hasn’t weighed on Channi all these years, Vanna’s set to be married off in a vulgar betrothal contest that lines the coffers of the greedy. Channi vows to defend Vanna, lest she be bought by the horrific King Meguh. When Meguh makes a deal to kidnap Channi, Channi fights over land and sea to reach her sister with her best reptile friend, Ukar (a freckled green snake), and Hokzuh (he’s part dragon, part demon). While Angma cursed her face, it’s the Serpent King who filled her veins with his poison. Meanwhile, Hokzuh has neither the dragon nor demon halves of his heart. He knows Angma claims his demon half (his demon side is kept at bay by his moonstone), but he would not be able to see the golden glow of his dragon half even if he was standing right in front of it. How strong are the bonds of sisterhood when pitted against a Demon Witch and a half-dragon-half-demon desperate for both halves of his heart?
        A Legends of Lor’yan novel, this one’s cup runneth over with a fully-realized world of well-constructed cosmology that is beautiful and devastating. The setting is lush, the fantasy thrilling, and the Southeast Asian folklore is resounding. This fast-paced, action-fueled YA gives us characters to empathize with, courage to praise and explores the dark side of beauty while showcasing how deep the bonds of sisterhood run. For those who’ve read Lim’s Six Crimson Cranes duology, reading this particular character’s story will be heartbreaking and enchanting, in equal measure. Also, this might be the first time I’ve rooted for the slithery reptiles of the world, albeit a fictional one.

"A Twisted Tale Anthology" by Elizabeth Lim et al.

Based on the title alone, it should be no surprise that this anthology features twisted fairy tales involving beloved, well-known Disney characters. Some authors have written more than one story. Some are veteran Twisted Tale authors, while others are new to the Twisted Tale franchise, but are also bestselling authors.
        What if Mulan became the emperor’s advisor? What if Mufasa survived the stampeding wildebeests? What if Prince Naveen arrived in New Orleans just to return to Maldonia right away?

A Twisted Tale Anthology (Oct. 3, 2023) Edited and with Stories by Elizabeth Lim.

   1. Cast Out by Livia Blackburne.

What if Snow White learned magic? Snow White is little more than a scullery maid. Her only friend is Dottie, a sparrow. She hears a voice calling to her, and when she stomps on her fear to investigate it, she’s led to the queen stepmother’s chambers. Here she finds the Magic Mirror, who tells her, “I am truth and honesty, the kernel of everything that is.” The Magic Mirror encourages Snow White to “harness magic to do your bidding.” She’ll have to practice hard and fast with a stepmother who wants to kill her.

   2. A First Mission by Elizabeth Lim.

What if Mulan became the emperor’s advisor? Fa Mulan did return to her family for a visit, and Li Shang did share a meal with her family. Now Mulan has returned to the city to take on the role of an Imperial Councilor of China. Chi Fu and the other advisors, all male, expect her to fail and want her to fail, as a woman. They are tasked with saving prized silkworms from flooding in Hongjing. Mulan and Shang stop to rescue villagers from the flooding with Chi Fu going on to retrieve the silkworms, anticipating that Chi Fu’s report won’t be good. He’s already been insufferable.

   3. Et Voilà by Liz Braswell.

What if Remy had met Colette first? As a woman, Colette has worked many times harder and for less pay than a male counterpart would as a rôtisseur chef at Gusteau’s, and she doesn’t feel fulfilled. She encounters a rat going through the garbage, carefully choosing discarded items, like the end of a pain couronne and a small bit of leftover brie. Remy has discerning tastes. Colette thinks herself crazy, but she takes a chance on Little Chef. Small portions emerge from the Midnight Kitchen. This might be the unexpected path she needs to make her mark. Linguini is around, but he’s a background character.

   4. The Envelope by Jen Calonita.

What if Anastasia had a change of heart? The truth is out. Cinderella and her prince are readying for marriage, as the Tremaines – Anastasia, Drizella and their mother – are shunned by the community for their maltreatment of Cinderella. When Footman Benoit brings them an invitation to the royal wedding, it’s Anastasia that greets him. Benoit understands what it’s like to be shunned and so doesn’t spurn her as others do. Anastasia’s taken on the role of maid, as Drizella and their mother are useless. When she finds a letter penned by their late father, Francis Tremaine, Anastasia feels prompted to visit his hometown of Lille. Benoit accompanies her. She meets Mathilde Boche, who may just have an offer Anastasia can’t refuse.

   5. A New Dawn by Farrah Rochon.

What if Mufasa gave up his throne? Mufasa survived the wildebeest stampede, but his body is far from mended. Simba rules the Pride Lands, but Mufasa struggles to relinquish his rule, though he was quick to forgive Scar. Simba has set patrols around the territory. The Wasaki (Evil Ones) are lions who’ve been cast out of their own prides, and they only seek destruction. Simba anticipates an attack, but Mufasa doesn’t trust Simba’s young instincts. Will Mufasa’s own pride cost them the Pride Lands?

   6. Rattle the Stars by M.K. England.

What if Jim Hawkins joined the pirates? As expected, Jim is aboard the flying ship with Captain Amelia and Dr. Doppler. Silver, the cyborg cook, is amongst them. Morph, Silver’s fist-sized pet blob of space goo, snatches Jim’s boot to get him to play, but it isn’t fun and games when he overhears Silver and crew members Scroop and Birdbrain Mary hatching a nefarious plan. They’re journeying to Treasure Planet, home to Nathaniel Flint’s legendary treasure trove. Jim doesn’t want Amelia and Dr. Doppler to be hurt. So, what does Jim think to do? Become a space pirate.

   7. A Royal Game of Chess by Liz Braswell.

What if history wasn’t quite right about the legend of Robin Hood? There’s a rumor going around that Robin Hood’s been captured, but that isn’t right, because Robin Hood is right there. Yes, I’m indicating Lady Marian. What, you thought Robin Hood was a male fox? *tsk, tsk* Lady Kluck knows the truth and encourages it. There’s an archery competition set by Prince John and Sir Hiss, thinking they’ll capture Hood for sure, or at least “his” Merry Men (like Little John). A kiss from Lady Marian is the prize, so who will be Robin Hood when Marian will clearly be in the limelight?

   8. The Secret Exchange by Elizabeth Lim.

What if Eric met Ariel after she rescued him? Staging one’s own meet-cutes sounds romantic, but when Ariel’s also sneaking around her father, King Triton, who disallows anyone going to the surface, especially his own daughters, it seems less rosy. Ariel has command of her voice, so it’s great fun to discuss the land and the sea, anything that comes to mind, with Eric. Ursula still manages to get wind of Ariel through Flotsam and Jetsam. What will happen when Ursula lets Triton know exactly what Ariel has been up to?

   9. Dust to Dust by Micol Ostow.

What if Tinker Bell was working for Captain Hook? When Tinker Bell abuses her pixie dust magic by using it to magically do her chores, she is reprimanded. In her hotheadedness, she storms away, packing a go-bag, as she doesn’t plan to return to Pixie Hollow anytime soon, if ever. She meets Captain Hook, and he gives her the encouragement she desires. Better yet, he wants her to use her magic. Against Peter Pan. She’s all for watching Peter and deducing the right moment for Hook to make his move. She’s got something of a crush on Peter, and it turns really bratty when Peter brings Wendy and her brothers. When Captain Hook and his crew attack, what will Tinker Bell’s move be?

   10. Gonna Take You There by Farrah Rochon.

What if Naveen had to get home to Maldonia? It’s early, but it’s already been a day for Tiana. Her dreams of opening her own restaurant feel stagnant. She’s saving all she can working two jobs, except now it’s one, because she just quit as Duke’s Café’s sole waitress. Her exit has her overhearing Prince Naveen and his valet, Lawrence, who’s also just quit, and right after bearing news that Naveen must return home for a family emergency. Naveen beseeches Tiana to take him to the ship at Mobile Bay, Alabama. They’ll need a chaperone, so her best friend, Charlotte “Lottie” LaBouff, accompanies them, and John, the LaBouff family driver, is their chauffeur. Their trek to Mobile Bay isn’t a straight course. Tiana knows her dream, but what is Naveen’s?

   11. Fates, Three by Jen Calonita.

What if the triplets visited the Witch? The triplets are now 16, and Merida is doing her own thing. Hamish is the planner/plotter, Hubert is the warrior-in-training who works out a lot, and Harris devotes his time and attention to his studies. Hamish is ever the mischief-maker, but his brothers aren’t as readily excited about plots anymore. He does get them to eat the stolen cranachan, and he has a plan to impress Clan MacGuffin when they come to feast with them. It involves massive butterflies, and it backfires. Desperate not to get sent to their great aunt, the triplets visit the Witch, who’s under her usual guise of a wood-carver. They want a wish that not only keeps them away from the relative, but also prevents them from turning into bears. What will the Witch brew up?

   12. A Dragon in the Snow by Kristina Pérez.

What if Madam Mim and Merlin went to school together? Madam Mim (Morrigan of Gurnard) is the Lyceum of Enchantment’s (on the Hidden Isle) star pupil. Her lilac-colored hair betrays her Shadow Magic, which is why she likes the Wildwood where there’s no one to judge her. Merlin (of Dalriada) is new to the Lyceum, his magic seems to come naturally to him, and he likes Mim. Taliesin is the Chief Mage there, teaching and advising. The Solstice Competition this year will be duels to become the next Royal Mage to Uther Pendragon and train under the inimitable, outgoing Royal Mage Niniame. If they must meet in the final duel, whose magic will prevail?

   13. The Journey Home by Farrah Rochon.

What if Belle had to take her father’s place at the fair? When Maurice is waylaid by an injury, Belle decides it’s on her shoulders to get her father’s latest invention to the fair at Annecy. It chops wood into clean logs. With trusted Philippe, their horse, with her, she is confident she can make it to Annecy and correctly demonstrate Maurice’s invention. Her father tells her to keep to the path, and she means to, until there’s a downed log across the path. She goes around and gets stuck. Gaston and LeFou cross her path. Gaston will help her, but only if she dines with him. Can Belle get herself out of this rut without resorting to Gaston’s muscular manpower?

   14. Call It a Hunch by Jen Calonita.

What if Hercules’s first day as a god didn’t go as planned? Prayers are coming Hercules’s way, but he doesn’t know how to hone in on one person’s voice, nor does he know how to grant their requests. Everyone’s too busy to help him: Zeus, Hera, Athena. Athena’s angry that her statues are being stolen from around the city, and she’s about to bring a terrible storm down on it. Hercules’s girlfriend, the mortal Meg (Megara), has been hired to find the perpetrator. She was hired to find one statue, but now several are missing! She needs this job. After all, it’s not easy finding work after you’ve been trapped in the Underworld. How will Hercules and Meg handle their respective first day?

   15. The Reluctant Prince by Liz Braswell.

What if Bambi didn’t want to be the next Great Prince of the Forest? The Great Prince of the Forest is decided. He’s passing on his mantle to Bambi, his son. Bambi doesn’t want to be the prince. He associates being the prince of the forest with being an aloof deer and an absent father. Bambi’s about to become a father, probably to twins!, and he wants to be present in their lives. He wants to stay by Faline’s side and remain best friends with Thumper and Flower. They will all encourage him to be the prince, but it’s Faline’s words that will resonate the most.

   16. The Rose and the Thorns by Elizabeth Lim.

What if Aurora knew the truth about her curse? For almost 16 years, Princess Aurora has been reminded daily that she must be so careful. Spindles in the kingdom have been outlawed since Maleficent spoke her curse upon the baby princess, but it isn’t only spindles that Aurora must avoid. They won’t even let her use so much as a butter knife. Flora, Fauna and Merryweather look over her well, and Merryweather relents her tight grip, so she can learn some defensive skills (like archery). Prince Phillip has been her betrothed since they were little, but they’ve grown up as best friends. Is Phillip her true love’s kiss? They might well find out when the confrontation with Maleficent comes about.

Concluding Thoughts: Overall, this is a well-spun fantasy anthology that will please many Disney fans. As one of those Disney fans who also loves twisted fairy tales, I enjoyed these short stories. There are elements of things familiar with twists of things new. Some stories take place after the canon and so don’t disrupt the original narratives, while others offer an expanded backstory. All showcase creative, new details. We all know that they do not replace the originals, but instead, give us fresh takes on familiar stories. When it comes to twisted tales, do you enjoy updated spins and perspectives, or do you adamantly prefer the originals?

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 24

With 2022 quickly coming to an end, I’m not a moment too soon in sneaking in the third YA compilation post of this year. These are all authors familiar to me.

The Ballad of Never After (Sept. 13, 2022) by Stephanie Garber.

*This is the second novel in a trilogy.* 

“One for luck. One for truth. One for mirth. One for youth.” These are the four stones needed to re-open the Valory Arch. One was found by the previous key. The task now falls to Evangeline Fox, the young woman who used to believe that love was like a house. Now she wonders if love is “more like a war with new foes constantly appearing and battles creeping up.” Love is something to fight for, over and over. And Evangeline is fighting ... to live. Her first love has made a reappearance (as a vampire), her husband has been cursed to kill her (like The Ballad of the Archer and the Fox) and Jacks is as aloof – but sometimes protective – as ever (for his own agenda). She knows that she cannot trust Jacks (a.k.a. the Prince of Hearts), and she swears she won’t look for, rely upon or think about him, but that’s all easier said than done, especially when Jacks always tends to show up. But when a new curse surfaces – one turning Apollo’s eyes a glaring red – Jacks might be the only one she can trust. As much as she desires to loathe him, she also desires him, as says her traitorous heart. But Jacks can only kiss one person without killing her, and that kiss never belonged to Evangeline. With new foes, fresh betrayals by one considered a friend and magic that is as mischievous as it is wondrous, the Magnificent North is a crafty place.

            Amidst the tulle and the beauty are sharp-edged daggers and curses that draw blood. It is, at turns, as gorgeous as a decadent ball, but also dark with menace and violence. Evangeline’s seemingly endless hope grated my nerves, because, from the reader’s perspective, you know she’s making a terrible decision, but I remained drawn to the story with its dangerous allure and graceful edginess. It’s a world that I get lost in with characters that’d be intriguing to interact with, Jacks especially. Despite that he’s a Fate, dazzlingly inhuman, untrustworthily charming and potentially deadly, or perhaps because he is. The middle novel in the Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy manages to glimmer and dazzle with magic, mystery, deceit, passion, hope and danger. The novel’s ending has me wishing I could read the final installment yesterday.

            Book One: Once Upon a Broken Heart

            Note of interest: The original Great Houses: Fortuna, Slaughterwood, Merrywood, Redthorne, Hawkleaf, Casstel, Bloodgrave, Verita, Ravencross, Darling, Havok, Bellflower, and Acadian (p. 131).

            Wondering: How did the Fates come to be? Without giving away spoilers, more than one Fate seems to have ties to the original Great Houses. I’m just putting it out there that I wouldn’t say no to reading a story from Jacks’ POV or even a story of how all the Fates became Fates.

Bravely (May 3, 2022) by Maggie Stiefvater.

*This is a standalone novel, but is marketed as a sequel to Disney’s Brave​.*

Stagnation has come to DunBroch and with it, a threat to the kingdom in the form of Feradach, the god who wears many faces and appears differently to each person he encounters. He demolishes and destroys so that what’s gone stagnant can be made new (“I am not cruel, Merida. I am nature.”). But it’s been so long since change has come to DunBroch. Merida continues to prefer archery to embroidery, the triplets are chaos manifested, King Fergus remains jovial and Queen Elinor is as eternally regal as can be with DunBroch itself looking lackluster. Shingles need replacing, various things need fixing, and DunBroch is falling into neglect, but Merida refuses to watch her beloved home be destroyed along with her and her entire family. A small light of hope surfaces with the intervention of the Cailleach, an ancient goddess of creation, the goddess of Scotland (“Bringer of rain, of life, of justice.”). Merida has a year to change her family or be destroyed, but she can talk to no one of this deal outside the three who made it. Feradach must see her work and she must see his. Feradach’s work balances life, which Merida doesn’t at first understand. She only sees him as a destroyer, rather like the Dasachtach, who pillages and gruesomely kills because he’s a violent, vicious tyrant with a god complex. The Dasachtach (Domhnall mac Alpin) will never change, but Feradach, against all expectation, might. Through all of this, Merida will voyage to three kingdoms to inspire those she loves, but she’s forgetting the one Clan member who’s grown the most stagnant. Herself.

            A novel that accepts the movie, Brave, as canon, this is a different sort of fairy tale, one for older readers. Since the movie’s events, Merida and Queen Elinor have negotiated a truce to never discuss betrothals or marriage. Merida has spent a year traveling before having to travel yet again (to save DunBroch). As I expected, Stiefvater has crafted a wonderful world, not only pulling from the familiar movie, but incorporating her understanding of medieval history (see her author’s note) and her own skill at writing. Despite the pressure Merida feels to change those she loves, the novel has a languid quality to the reading. To be fair, stories often journey slower than movies do, but the story does contain adventure and ruin, pluck and tenacity. Central to the story is Merida having to grow up and the growing pains that come along with that. It’s also a story of how saving loved ones can mean altering what one knows and is familiar with. In other words, change can be hard and hard to accept. I love the unexpected depth written for Feradach and Queen Elinor. It had me seeing both of them through a different lens, which feels heavy and notable. Not all will fall under the literary spell the movie started, but it should be a win for readers of YA looking for something familiar but maturing.

The Dragon’s Promise (Aug. 30, 2022) by Elizabeth Lim.

*This is the concluding novel in a duology.*

To uphold the promise she made to her stepmother, Princess Shiori’anma (the youngest of seven and only daughter of Emperor Hanriyu) will journey to Ai’long, the realm of dragons, at the bottom of the Taijin Sea. She has vowed to return the dragon’s pearl to its rightful owner, but Dragon King Nazayun expects her to give the pearl to him when she only stated she’d bring it to him. It doesn’t belong to Nazayun, but to the Wraith. The Wraith’s pearl is unlike other dragons’ pearls and not only because it’s broken. Escaping from Ai’long is harrowing, and Shiori learns that she should trust Seryu’ginan, while also falling victim to betrayal. It is here that she first meets Gen (turning to stone). Being home in the Imperial Palace in Gindara is weighted, not only because she still has the pearl, but because the realm now knows she’s a sorceress in a land that’s not supposed to have magic. As the Kingdom of Kiata’s bloodsake, there are many that would condemn her and harm her. The most frenzied want to kill her, thus keeping the demons sealed in the Holy Mountains of Fortitude. But there’s one demon that won’t be sealed in. He was once an enchanter, turning demon when he broke his oath and killed someone. Fueled by greed and the power of magic, he greedily wants more power from the pearl. He plans, of course, to kill Shiori. To locate the Wraith, Shiori will need to venture across the Cuiyan Ocean and over the enchanted waters of Lake Paduan to the Forgotten Isles of Lapzur. She won’t be alone. She’ll have her six brothers (back in crane form), Bushi’an Takkan (her betrothed) and Kiki (her paper bird). Unfortunately, she’s still got the pearl (thrumming with malevolent, usually unpredictable power) and a powerful demon semi-trapped in an amulet. Shiori’s going to need more strength than she’s ever imagined having if she’s going to survive and defend those she loves.

            A concluding novel in the Six Crimson Cranes duology, this story is a literary work of art, as vibrant and sweeping as a painter with paints on canvas filled with colors bright and bold, graceful and light, but also dark and murky, dangerous and wild. With more than one quest for the heroine, there’s no shortage of adventure in this YA tale. Shiori remains stubborn and impulsive, though her impulsivity is sometimes quelled when listening to others’ advice finally wins out. This is a tale of love and keeping promises (no matter the cost to oneself) and of allies who help grow the main character, just as much as it’s a story that integrates Chinese legends, young love, powerful dragons and treacherous demons. It’s not a relaxing read, but a dramatic one. It’s an adventure that I’m glad to have gone on.

            P.S. For someone who’s read Lim’s The Blood of Stars duology, it was nice to meet Gen before he’s a full-fledged enchanter.

            Book One: Six Crimson Cranes

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 19

Despite the amount of YA novels I read each year, this is only my second YA compilation post in 2022. This is because I have published multiple solo posts to balance the number of inspirational fiction solo posts on The Reading Rutabaga.

In Every Generation (Jan. 4, 2022) by Kendare Blake.

*This is the first novel in a series.*

The previously-destroyed-by-Buffy Hellmouth may be leaking … residue. And there’s a new Big Bad in New Sunnydale called the Countess, and she has a penchant for virgins’ blood. Buffy can take her out, right? Maybe, if Frankie Rosenberg (daughter of Willow) knew if Buffy was alive. After a bombing at Slayerfest, the fate of all Slayers is in question, except for the dead Slayers that were actually found. Frankie finds her Slayer abilities awakening, but she isn’t any regular Slayer, as she also possesses some magical ability thanks to her mom. The new Scoobies include fellow teens Jake Osbourne (werewolf), Hailey Larsson (whose Slayer half-sister, Vi, hasn’t been seen since the bombing) and Sigmund DeWitt (a Sage demon, but only half, as his father is human). (Also, Sigmund DeWitt isn’t his real name, but it’s “the closest thing most people can manage.”) Her Watcher is the vampire, Spike, and Jake’s uncle-cousin, Oz, is there to help fight, too. (Oz is his cousin, but Jake calls him uncle because he’s “too old to be my cousin.”) Don’t count out Willow just because she hasn’t used magic since before Frankie was born and Grimloch, the Hunter of Thrace, may show himself to be an ally despite his fondness for eating hearts. Hailey hasn’t given up hope that Vi is alive as Frankie wonders how she can be a Slayer the likes of Buffy. That’s what she must learn, though, that she isn’t like Buffy. She’s the first of her kind, the first Slayer-witch.

            As someone who never got into the Buffy the Vampire series, I was skeptical about this book. I purchased it because I’m a steady fan of Blake’s stories, and I’m glad I did. While I’ve heard of some of the key characters, I’m not familiar with the Buffyverse, so I greatly appreciated the background and additional context which those already familiar might find redundant. The amount of quipping and humor gave the YA novel comic relief to balance the grimness of death and the intensity of suddenly having the world (or at least New Sunnydale) on one’s shoulders. The story sets a fast pace right away with lots of action, a wicked villain with an equally vicious right-hand henchman in Anton (who’s obsessed with hot pokers) and that cheeky banter. The story ended on a satisfying note while also setting readers up for future installments. I expect that Buffy aficionados and supernatural fans alike will enjoy the start of this new series. I may not know the original Buffy series, but it sure reads like a worthy successor to me!

Once Upon a Broken Heart (Sept. 28, 2021) by Stephanie Garber.

*This is the first novel in a trilogy (originally marketed as a duology).*

Does the broken heart belong to Evangeline Fox when the love of her life, Luc Navarro, betrays her by abruptly proposing to her stepsister, Marisol Tourmaline, or to the Prince of Hearts (a.k.a. Jacks), a Fate whose wicked heart toys with the hearts of others, even as he’s rumored to have a true love who isn’t reciprocating? For forever, Evangeline has believed in “love at first” and happy endings. So when Luc suddenly proposes to another, Evangeline is desperate to stop the impending nuptials. She’s so desperate that she makes a bargain with a Fate. Fates won’t break bargains, but they often hurt those they’re supposedly helping. The Prince of Hearts is immortally alluring and gracefully charismatic, but he’s also the wicked bad boy one’s parents should never want their daughters to fall for (or sons). In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be granted at the time and place that he chooses. He will also choose the three she kisses, because while the kisses may be somehow for Jacks, they aren’t with him (to kiss him is lethal to anyone but his true love). When Evangeline and Marisol venture from their home in the Meridian Empire to the Magnificent North, where her late mother grew up, and she sees Jacks, she soon realizes that Jacks has plans. Will Evangeline get her happy ending? Or will she be led along a deliciously exquisite tragedy orchestrated by the Prince of Hearts?

            Set in the world of the Caraval trilogy, Garber returns readers to a magical land of enchantment, heady romance and messy choices with a heroine with rose-gold hair and a heart for happy endings. Reading Garber’s stories is like wandering through a richly-imagined fairy tale of charm and danger, lush world-building and a roiling plot, twists and tangles, deceit and wishes. Although the writing is decadent and shimmers with magic and the author’s sparkly imagination, it’s at times verbose, like a dessert that contains too much sugar. It can also read as sometimes frothy, but with themes of family influence and holding onto one’s beliefs, it also contains depth. Overall, it’s a well-paced story of romance, adventure and bewitching mystery, though I wish there was some diversity amongst the major characters.

            Caraval Book One: Caraval

            Caraval Book Two: Legendary

            Caraval Book Three: Finale

Six Crimson Cranes (July 6, 2021) by Elizabeth Lim.

*This is the first novel in a duology.*

The youngest of seven and the only daughter of Kiata’s emperor (Emperor Hanriyu), Princess Shiori’anma is a 16-year-old who has the gift of magic in a world where magic is forbidden. On the day of her betrothal ceremony to Bushi’an Takkan, Shiori tries to prevent the ceremony from happening in an unexpected way: she follows her enchanted paper bird, Kiki, into the Sacred Lake, coming face-to-face with a small dragon as she almost drowns. In human form, the shape-shifter is 17-year-old dragon prince Seryu. He’s arrogant, but offers Shiori magic lessons, having been drawn to her magic. Unfortunately, Shiori’s magic also captures the attention of Raikama, her stepmother. Raikama is secretly a sorceress, and she’s a powerful woman, banishing Shiori and turning her six brothers into cranes (Andahai, Benkai, Reiji, twins Wandei & Yotan and Hasho). She forewarns Shiori that she must never speak, for if she does, she’ll lose a brother with every word she utters. Without voice, without money and with naught but a bowl that is so enchanted to her head it might as well be fused to it to hide her face, Shiori leaves Kiata alone, intending to find her brothers. With her brothers as cranes and Shiori banished, Kiata appears to have zero heirs, and a conspiracy to seize the throne is uncovered. She’ll have to find a way to keep the kingdom she can’t currently be in with the help of a little paper bird, a mercurial dragon and the boy whose letters she ignored and has fought hard not to marry.

            “Six Crimson Cranes” blends story elements from East Asian lore (like the legend of Chang E) and European fairy tales (like Cinderella​) in a wonderfully crafted YA mash-up that feels original in a sea of twisted fairy-and-mythology-based tales (and I happen to be a fan of both). The first novel in a duology of the same name, Lim crafts a richly embroidered story of interwoven tales and mythology, an intricate plot that challenges the evil stepmother cliché, magic, adventure and a protagonist who has grit and determination despite the odds that are stacked against her. This duology takes place in the same world as the Blood of Stars​ duology. It explores complicated family dynamics and the story sweeps readers along with every turn of the page.

            Regarding starstroke: “Dragons had not always been omens of good fortune.” When they answered to no one, not even the gods, the gods came together to temper their strength and “forged starstroke from a trio of magics: strands of fate from the goddess Emuri’en’s hair; the blood of stars from Lapzur, the source of an enchanter’s power; and demonfire scoured from the Tambu Isles, birthplace of demons” (pp. 149-150).

            The Blood of Stars Book One: Spin the Dawn

            The Blood of Stars Book Two: Unravel the Dusk

"Unravel the Dusk" by Elizabeth Lim

Unravel the Dusk (July 7, 2020) by Elizabeth Lim.

*This is the second novel in a duology.*

*No spoilers beyond what’s contained on the dust jacket.*

Glowing red eyes. Magic that is unbound but so powerful. Losing memories and identity. Maia Tamarin is becoming a demon. The process is slower for her, perhaps, because hers was a voluntary choice, but there’s no doubt that she’ll eventually succumb. She will be Sentur’na (“cutter of fate”). She’s proven she’s the best tailor in A’landi. She’s sewn Amana’s three magical gowns containing the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon and the blood of stars. But instead of bringing only triumph, those dresses are now both her salvation and her ruin. They are her body, mind and heart and are the source of the power in her demon’s amulet. To destroy them would free her of Bandur, but she would also die.

            It looks apparent that A’landi will fall to the twisted shansen, who’s so dependent on his demon, Gyiu’rak (a tiger demon), that he’s lost his humanity. Even if Emperor Khanujin had the largest army, none of them would stand a chance against Gyiu’rak and the ghosts she can call upon. If Maia can use her demon self as long as she is aware of both parts of herself (the demon and not), should she help save A’landi? Edan won’t want her to, but who else stands a chance against Gyiu’rak? Maia would rather Lady Sarnai and her Lord Xina lead if the emperor is unable, but Sarnai and Xina haven’t been spotted since Maia helped them escape (she also got them caught first, so). She’ll do what she can to protect Baba and Keton (her only living brother) and her friend Ammi (even when she forgets her name). She will fight for them until she loses her humanity … or dies.

            This novel, which wraps up The Blood of Stars duology, is fast-moving and character-driven with two strong female protagonists featured. There is a lot of action, but the YA novel isn’t without emotion. Quite the opposite, as Maia’s internal struggle as she consciously loses her humanity threatens to overwhelm her, while at other times it infuses her with the power to hold onto those she loves. I loved reading this duology with its cast of Asian characters and legends (e.g. the thousand origami paper cranes, the red thread of fate). Both novels in this duology highlight culture beautifully in its prose. The way Lim weaves each strand of the story together makes it a standout. I’m pleased to get this posted as AAPI Month comes to another end.

Rutabaga's Reads 2021: Part 2

Some stories spew darkness. Others rely on magical prowess. All contain ingenuity of characters that must be brought alive through words from creative authors. Welcome to the first YA compilation for 2021.

The Queen’s Assassin (Feb. 4, 2020) by Melissa de la Cruz.

*This is the first novel in a duology.*

In the world of Avantine, there is the Kingdom of Renovia. Once ruled by the Dellafiore dynasty, it’s been quelled since the Tyrant King. A jealous, murderous king, he also forbade magic amongst common folk and had his most loyal followers create the Deian Scrolls, “the fount of all magical history, information, practice, and use” of everything mystical in the kingdom. His descendant, King Esban (not a tyrant), declared war against the Aphrasians and attacked Baer Abbey, where the scrolls were said to reside. The war was won, but at the cost of King Esban’s life. The Deian Scrolls were not found. The king’s widow, Queen Lilianna, has made the search for the scrolls her life’s work for her country and her family, namely, her daughter, Princess Lilac.

            Shadow of the Honey Glade has been training seemingly all her life to become a member of the Hearthstone Guild. It originally brought brave witches together to save as much magic as able, but later it became “a society of assassins and spies.” Shadow wants to be an assassin as revered as Caledon (Cal) Holt. Because of a vow his father once made with the queen, Cal is likewise tied to her. Shadow goes to rescue him under the guise of being assigned as his apprentice, except it’s a real rescue. Shadow may not have expert training in being an assassin, but she is something of a mage and has the blue-black mage blood to prove it (blue blood is prized in the kingdom). And she wants no part in becoming a lady of the court as her mother and aunts expect. Shadow and Cal will endure a dangerous quest full of many things, including strong feelings for each other.

            I didn’t love this story and am currently unsure if I’ll read its successor. If I rated with stars, I’d give this book 3/5. Told from both Shadow’s and Cal’s points-of-view, their quest is just dangerous enough to keep the action moving forward and propel the story at a steady clip. I don’t consider this novel to be epic, but I do approve of the dynamic women and things like race and marriage equality are not an issue. The novel’s strengths are quiet in that regard and its ending definitely sets the story up for a sequel.

Spellhacker (Jan. 1, 2020) by M. K. England.

*This is a standalone novel.*

In Kyrkarta, magic (called maz) was once an abundant natural resource, but an earthquake released a magical spellplague. It killed thousands and made too many orphans at a young age. Maz suddenly became a rare commodity with outrageous prices to obtain, and it’s all parceled out by one supplier, Maz Management Corporation (MMC). Talk about a monopoly. So Dizmon (Diz) Hela and her three best friends run a very profitable (and very illegal) maz siphoning gig. Diz has no skill with maz, but she is the technical and hardware whiz of their quartet. The others include Ania, a techwitch, Remi, the spellweaving prodigy who has contracted spellplague, and Jaesin, who has most of the “mundie” skills like cooking and hitting people (“but only sometimes,” on the latter point). Their latest heist should be their final one, but they uncover something called maz-15 (aren’t there only 14 strains of maz?), which they shouldn’t know about. Running away takes them to Jattapore to try to locate Professor Aric Silva, who’s supposedly been dead for eight years. Is maz-15 the source material for all other maz? If so, how do they convince MMC to shut the drilling down? Does MMC have anything to do with the spellplague and the idea that the planet may be trying to rip itself apart?

            This is a story that should be right up my alley, but I struggled to connect with it. I enjoyed the plotline and this idea of a spellplague and a big, bad, evil corporation acting like it’s only working for the forward momentum of the people of Kyrkarta when it looks to be doing the population and world more harm than good. I do appreciate that the characters are a mix of multicultural diversity and are inclusive of non-s/he gender norms (Remi is nonbinary and uses they/them). It is a well-rounded cast of characters and an action-packed plot that weaves science fiction and fantasy nicely. Part of my struggle is that Diz has a lot of attitude. That perhaps seems unfair, because I, too, can have more attitude than should fit inside my 5’1” frame, and I realize that Diz’s struggles stem from the loss of her parents when she was young. But this is an opinion piece, and if I don’t find any sort of connection to the main character, I’m not going to love a story. That doesn’t mean this story won’t be for you. There is plenty of snarky banter and cuss words are present at times (the latter for those who may be concerned).

Spin the Dawn (June 2, 2020) by Elizabeth Lim.

*This is the first novel in a duology.*

Once upon a time, Maia Tamarin’s family was whole. Her Baba (Kalsang Tamarin) was the greatest tailor in A’landi, sought after by merchants from coast to coast, such was his skill at dressmaking. They lived well in Gangsun, a key city along the Great Spice Road. But that changed when Mama died. Baba drank until he couldn’t stomach spirits any longer and became less than a shadow of his former self. They had to move to Port Kamalan. Maia’s three older brothers were not skilled as tailors. The oldest, Finlei, was the brave one and despised being stuck working indoors. But then the Five Winters’ War took Finlei in battle. The middle brother, Sendo, had patience for storytelling but not for sewing. The war took him, too, only two days before Emperor Khanujin’s truce with the shansen, a warlord. The youngest brother, Keton, was full of song, jokes and merriment. He didn’t possess the discipline needed to be a tailor, but Baba loved him best. Keton did return from the war, but he returned broken.

            It’s Maia that possesses the skill to be a tailor as skilled as Baba, but she is a woman, and women are not allowed to become Master Tailors. When Baba is summoned, and with Keton’s knowledge, Maia goes to the emperor’s Summer Palace as a boy. To be found out would mean her death and likely her remaining family’s death. What Maia doesn’t initially expect is to be in competition with 11 other master tailors. She’s the youngest competitor by far, and she’s captured the attention of Edan, the emperor’s court enchanter, who seems to know that she is not, in fact, a boy. And it is with the Lord Enchanter that she goes on a quest to amass what is needed to sew Amana’s dresses. It will take more than Maia’s skill, as it is a quest Lady Sarnai expects Master Tamarin to fail. It will take Edan and the assistance of magical scissors.

            Magical scissors? Why not? This first in The Blood of Stars duology is like “Project Runway.” The drama is there, but with the added bonus of magic and danger. It is part beautiful clothing and part daring adventure. It’s like dancing with romance, artistic skill and magic while simultaneously dodging danger and Lady Sarnai’s judgment. “Spin the Dawn” is enchanting and is spun like the finest wool, has the feel of the smoothest velvet and is detailed in the finest embroidery. And, I won’t lie, I, too, would marvel at a dress “woven with the laughter of the sun,” a second “embroidered with the tears of the moon,” and a third “painted with the blood of the stars.” Beautiful!

Rutabaga's Reads 2019: Part 12

Not to be left out, middle-grade (MG) novels have been making their run on my bookshelves. Here is 2019’s third MG compilation.

Escape from the Isle of the Lost (June 4, 2019) by Melissa de la Cruz.

*This is the fourth novel in a series.*

Oh how far they’ve come! Where once Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos looked toward nothing but living up to their wicked upbringing and villainous parents, they have made positive names for themselves and are looking toward graduation. Mal is Lady Mal, learning the customs of Auradon royalty at her boyfriend’s side, Auradon’s King Ben. Evie, ever a delight, has expanded into creating custom graduation gowns for her classmates and is working toward saving for something specific. Jay, never knowing what it meant to be a team player before Auradon, finds himself with an unbelievable option: go pro with R.O.A.R. or pursue it at university? And Carlos, well, Carlos is a year behind the other three, so he’ll remain at Auradon Prep, but he’s got a charming girlfriend in Jane, daughter of Fairy Godmother. It’s too bad that Uma hasn’t been seen recently. What evil is she plotting beneath the waves? Hint: She’s found threads of magic and convinces Hades to team up with her. Will she finally overtake Mal and exact her revenge?

            The fourth Disney Descendants novel, “Escape from the Isle of the Lost” is as delightful as a confectionery full of sweets. This middle-grade novel isn’t the type where evil curdles your insides and makes you want to keep the light on. There is maniacal laughter, threatening words and even a mind-controlling spell, but the tone continues to side with the light. Fun, adventure and friendship continue to rule the story (as does the teenage king). A must-have for current fans; potential new fans will want to start the series at the beginning.

            Book One: Isle of the Lost

            Book Two: Return to the Isle of the Lost

            Book Three: Rise of the Isle of the Lost

The Poe Estate (Sept. 15, 2015) by Polly Shulman.

*This is the third novel in an unofficial series.*

When her parents fall on hard times, Susannah “Sukie” O’Dare and her parents move in with her 91-year-old Cousin Hepzibah in the ancient, spacious Thorne Mansion. Rumor is that it’s haunted. And it is. Hepzibah understands Sukie where her parents wouldn’t. Sukie can see and communicate with her deceased sister, Kitty. As in life, Kitty aims to protect Sukie, but ghosts can’t change, so it’s upsetting as Sukie changes. Kitty often appears at will, but Sukie can summon her with a whistle she gave her before her death. It turns out that Sukie doesn’t only have a sensitivity to Kitty’s ghost. There are objects that she responds to when she touches them. She even finds out she can fly on a Hawthorne broom, which has been in the family for generations. She meets Dr. Elizabeth Rew and Andre Merritt of the New-York Circulating Material Repository at a flea market, along with their large “dog,” Griffin, and they become an invaluable help, along with classmate Cole Farley, who has seemingly matured from the boy who tormented her in the past. Sukie (“Spooky,” according to Cole) and Cole may have descended from fictional literary characters and are themselves connected by Windy (Sukie’s relation) and Phinny (Cole’s relation), whose story is tragic and also unfinished. With the help of her new friends, can Sukie find Windy’s treasure? What will Sukie discover about literary materials being “real,” including entire haunted houses, and her family’s own Thorne Mansion?

            Succeeding Shulman’s “The Grimm Legacy” and “The Wells Bequest,” this is a delightful middle-grade edition to that set. I have loved the modern fantasy of each of the stories,  the humor and the adventure, the lilt and imagination. Hints of a youthful budding romance are present but not noisome. Though I haven’t read most of the stories referenced, I enjoyed how cleverly Shulman wove in all the literary references. It’s always fun to see familiar characters from the other stories, though it can be read as a standalone. It’s its own treasure of supernatural shenanigans and fantastical exploration. I don’t expect I’d be alone in wishing that the New-York Circulating Material Repository were a real place, where I could check out the seven-league boots or a magic carpet or maybe just stay overnight in a haunted house and meet the retired repositorian neighbors living in other haunted houses in the Poe Annex. Walk quickly through the Lovecraft Corpus, though.

            Book One: The Grimm Legacy

            Book Two: The Wells Bequest

Reflection: A Twisted Tale (Mar. 27, 2018) by Elizabeth Lim.

*This is the fourth in a series and the first of them featuring a different author.*

When one male is conscripted into service from each family, Fa Mulan steals away into the night to take her injured father’s place. She goes with nothing more than her father’s armor, his sword, Mushu – the family’s guardian dragon – and Cri-Kee – her lucky cricket. They ride Khan, her trusty steed. Women do not serve in the military, so she goes as Ping, the son that her family never talked about. Mulan proves her mettle as Ping and is dedicated to her regiment, so when Captain Li Shang is grievously wounded, she travels to Diyu to bargain with its ruler, King Yama. (Diyu, in Chinese mythology, is their underworld.) She travels there with ShiShi, the guardian of the Li family, normally noted as a great stone lion. King Yama declares she can bring Shang back, but only if she makes it before sunrise, otherwise she will remain in Diyu forever and neither her family nor her friends will ever know what befell her. The obstacles in their way will try to trick her into remaining, trap her or even cause her death. Time already seems too short. Will it be just enough to save Shang and herself? Or will she soon count herself among Diyu’s residents?

            In this twisted tale from Disney and author Elizabeth Lim, the beloved “Mulan” classic is turned on its head. I wasn’t sure what to expect, so I was pleased that I enjoyed the tale. It was fast-paced and maintained Mulan’s warrior strength while still giving her something to grapple with. This tale is an adventure where the girl saves the boy; no damsels-in-distress here! As it’s Disney, the readers know that any ominous situations are going to right themselves later, so there’s no reason to worry about the fate of the characters. I enjoy a twisted fairytale done well, and I thought this one was done tastefully. Readers will recognize scenes from the 1998 film as flashbacks to Mulan’s life, thus making the character even more familiar.