Rutabaga's Reads 2016: Part 1

It has been awhile since I’ve compiled a post featuring more than one book. Here is my first compilation post for 2016. I nicknamed it “Past Hodgepodge,” since the three books are from different genres and/or age categories, and I read them all a couple years ago.

A Change of Fortune (Nov. 1, 2012) by Jen Turano.

Historical Romance Christian Fiction.

After losing her faith, fiancé and fortune, Lady Eliza Sumner travels from London to New York City to track down her stolen fortune. Stripping herself of her outwardly noble appearance, she becomes known as Miss Sumner, governess-at-large for the Watson family. She is tracking down Bartholomew Hayes, who’s been living grandly off of her fortune under the false aristocratic name of Lord Southmoor. Unfortunately, her covert operations aren’t so inconspicuous when Agatha Watson (not one of her charges) invites herself along. Eliza ends up fired by Mr. Watson.

            Brothers Hamilton and Zayne Beckett are around when Eliza’s thrown out and so Hamilton invites her to stay at his home. He’s a widower with two young children: Piper (short for Penelope – age 5) and Ben (age 3), but as his mother, Mrs. Gloria Beckett, is also staying at his home, it is not improper that Eliza is staying there, too. Although he’s sworn off dating, he’s drawn to Eliza. That’s no small feat considering he and Zayne first meet her wearing a very ill-fitting puce dinner gown with a stuffed bodice and bad spectacles. Hamilton is seeking out a weasel as well, one Eugene Daniels. And it turns out that Bartholomew and Eugene are connected, which in turn connects Eliza and Hamilton (as far as the investigation goes). Eliza wants to find her fortune and return to England, though she is indubitably drawn to Hamilton.

            After reading the subsequent books courtesy of the publisher, I finally got around to reading the series’ first book, and I’m glad I finally did. This debut novel remains lighthearted despite the danger, and those believing in faith and prayer are never overbearing with their beliefs. “A Change of Fortune” is delightful and filled with adventure thanks to Turano’s strong-willed female characters. There are points to make one grimace, though, like when Eliza loses the skirt of her gown. Fortunately, she’s wearing trousers underneath, but still. *shudder* Hamilton and Eliza’s path to declaring love is not easy, of course, and is full of blunders and awkwardness, but we all know it’ll end well. A change of fortune is in store, after all, and surely it’ll be a happy one for the main characters!

            Book 2: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

            Book 3: A Talent for Trouble

            Book 4: A Match of Wits

Live to See Tomorrow (Apr. 29, 2014) by Iris Johansen.

Adult Suspense Fiction.

There’s always a madman. In this case, it’s Paul Kadmus, a monster with a god complex who’s obsessed with the idea of a Shangri-La (Shambhala). He thinks it’s his destiny to find it, and it all started with a lotus necklace. American journalist Erin Sullivan has one. Tortured in the mountains of Tibet, she’s rescued by CIA operative Catherine Ling. Catherine’s beautiful, lethal and mad-as-all-get-out. She’s mad (understatement) over what Kadmus has done to Erin and she’s mad that Venable’s sent her on an assignment that takes her away from her son, Luke, again. She has Hu Chang safeguarding her son in her absence, but that’s a small comfort when they both show up in Tibet. In Tibet with Richard Cameron. Cameron’s an unknown quantity to her with his Guardian title and unnerving ability to get inside her mind (literally). She needs to keep him around to help keep Erin and Luke safe, but she isn’t 100% sure he can be trusted. From Hong Kong to Tibet to San Francisco, they can’t keep Kadmus away indefinitely. Eventually they’ll have to confront him, but will it be on their terms? Or his?

            I like that Johansen has created an Asian female lead. Still, the novel is as predictable as her other novels. Not a lot of variation – just new names. At this point, I keep reading her books just because I’ve read so many of them. The novel is full of action and danger, but the content isn’t new. I don’t want to discourage you from reading her books, so know that I’ll likely continue to read them, at least as long as she keeps an Asian lead around.

            Keep in mind that this is considered adult fiction, so there are scattered expletives, and there are some provocative scenes in the book. At times, there was too much focus on the physical tension between the characters when there should’ve been more of a focus on Erin, Luke and ridding the world of one more bad man. Of course, that is my simple opinion. It’s also my opinion that these new and relatively new characters – Catherine, Luke, Hu Chang, Erin, Cameron – should live to see tomorrow and keep on living so Johansen will write more books featuring them.

Teardrop (Oct. 22, 2013) by Lauren Kate.

Young Adult Supernatural Fiction.

Crying is not allowed. That has been drilled into Eureka Boudreaux’s mind since she was a little girl. By her mother. Who’s dead. Now Eureka’s left with a father and stepmother who don’t understand her, half-siblings she actually loves even if her step-monster-mother doesn’t see it, Cat Estes (her gal best friend), Noah Brooks (her guy best friend) and Ander, a mysterious, blond-haired boy with pale skin and turquoise eyes “like the ocean in Miami.” He seems to know more than he lets on, and it weighs heavily. Eureka doesn’t know it yet, but Ander is a Seedbearer.

            There is a story about a girl who, so aggrieved, cried an entire continent into the sea. To Eureka, it is the stuff of fiction. But Seedbearers are purported descendents of those from the lost continent of Atlantis. The Seedbearers – with Ander as the exception – believe that Atlantis’  rising could only be an apocalypse and so they determine to kill the Tearline. The Tearline is always female, but one hasn’t been around since the 1930s. And it isn’t just the Seedbearers whose interest is piqued when a Tearline is born. The Atlanteans themselves notice as well, but they are evil (powerful, too). It will take awhile for Eureka to learn all of this information. For the moment, all she’s armed with is her mother’s legacy, which is confusing at best: a locket, a book in an odd language, a “thunderstone” and, best of all, a handwritten letter. And Ander. But what does it all mean?

            Despite this being a work of supernatural fiction, there is a sense of destiny for the main character. Destiny may seem strong for a seventeen-year-old, but it is there in her lack of tears and in Ander’s sudden involvement in Eureka’s life. A relationship is definitely blooming between Ander and Eureka, but that didn’t feel like the main point of this tale. The first in a new series, there is mystery and plenty of questions. I do wish Eureka had learned more about Atlantis earlier on in the story, but I understand the author is setting up her tale. The locale (Louisiana bayou) is very descriptive through Kate’s words, and her characters have a richness and depth which I appreciate when being “introduced” to new characters. It’s a brave new world for Eureka, at least, once she finds things out. A dangerous but exciting one, and one that can be washed away … with a good cry?

Rutabaga's Reads 2013: Part 4

This compilation is all about the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. Not included in this compilation is her companion novel to the series, “Fallen in Love.” If I ever read it, I will add it to this post. For anyone concerned, I have NOT included spoilers.

Fallen (Dec. 8, 2009).

Have you ever been inexplicably drawn to someone? If you have, then you can relate to Lucinda “Luce” Price. She is attracted to Daniel Grigori from day one at Sword & Cross (a “boarding” school) and even feels like she recognizes him. But Daniel is difficult to decipher. When he’s not completely ignoring her, he’s downright rude. Other times he’s nice, tender even. At least Cameron “Cam” Briel is easy to figure out. He isn’t shy about showing his interest in Luce. Too bad she’s so strongly drawn to Daniel, like a moth is drawn to a flame. But Daniel is keeping secrets, because he’s afraid that if he reveals too much, he will lose Luce for good.

            If you enjoy YA fantasy romance novels, you’ll likely enjoy this one. Luce’s obsession with Daniel can border on the annoying (and possibly unhealthy), but every character’s gotta have flaws! “Fallen” is fascinating, and the story’s premise is interesting. I look forward to progressing through the series. Will Luce be with Daniel? Will Daniel fight for her? They say that love is a battlefield, and in “Fallen,” it really is!

Torment(Sept. 28, 2010).*

After the events in “Fallen,” Luce is sent to Shoreline, a posh, scenic school that’s the opposite of Sword & Cross. She’s told that she’s there for her own safety, but she feels smothered and frustrated because others tell her to stay, yet never explain why. She keeps fighting with Daniel, but how about Miles Fisher? He’s a “diluted” Nephilim, but he’s kind, easygoing and good-looking. He’s not at all the aloof, brooding worrywart that Daniel is right now. Luce makes new friends while missing her old friends, deals with homesickness, meshes with Announcers (“shadows”) and finds out a rogue group of immortals (the Outcasts) want to kill her, along with the Elders of Zhsmaelim -- you know, normal teenager stuff!

            “Torment” introduces the reader to new characters and incorporates many of those we were introduced to in “Fallen.” There are still many questions left unanswered, including how hard it can be, really, to choose the “good” side. But no matter what, Luce loves Daniel … Right? For sure, their love knows torment. But is theirs a blessed torment? Or a cursed one?

* If you click on the book title it will take you to the extended summary/review that I originally posted on Aug. 13, 2012. I don’t promise that the extended version doesn’t contain spoilers.

Passion (June 14, 2011).

Let me just say that Luce and Daniel do a lot of traveling in this book. And by traveling, I don’t mean to California or Italy or even Antarctica. And I don’t mean by train, plane or automobile. Each time, Daniel seems to just miss Luce. Meanwhile, Luce has found herself a travel buddy named Bill and discovered cleaving. Bill’s not your usual travel companion, but he’s a very knowledgeable one. Luce is seeking proof of her love for Daniel and his for her. Will she find her proof? Will Daniel catch up with her before the end? For awhile now, Luce has convinced herself that Cam is the bad guy. What if he’s not? Then who is?

            I thought the travel destinations were interesting. Luce’s obsession with Daniel (and proof of their love) is still annoying and possibly unhealthy, but at least she’s consistent. There is definitely a heavier tone of “higher powers” at certain points in the book, especially near the end, but “Passion” is still, first and foremost, a YA fantasy romance novel. The passion of the book doesn’t refer to anything hot or steamy; it’s the passion of obsession and (re)discovering the passion of true love. Is it real? Or is it there out of habit?

Rapture (June 12, 2012).

Things aren’t often easily (and truthfully) described as wholly good or fully evil. Sometimes love and adoration come from the same source as hatred and loathing. Luce will discover this as she gains more knowledge about herself. To say she has a lot of catching up to do regarding herself is an understatement. Together with Daniel, angel allies and enemies-turned-allies, Luce will set out to find three specific relics. Their expected whereabouts are Venice, Vienna and Avalon. They gain much, but lose much, too. The group must locate the relics and get them to an unknown location to stop a highly unsavory character. Is he fully evil? Was he always? Can Luce figure out who she is in time to make an impact?

            From the first page, the storyline scoots right along. It shouldn’t surprise any reader of the series that the storyline does include occasional Christian connotations, but by no means does Kate write in terms of overwhelming religious allegory. This book – this series – is a YA fantasy romance first, and other pieces of the story are there to help the story, not overshadow it. The book took a couple turns that I wasn’t expecting, but I enjoyed reading them. Kate’s concluding novel struck a lovely chord and is a nice ending to the series.

            Overall, I liked this series. It is imaginative and different from other YA fantasy stories I’ve read, which is always a plus. Should a movie adaptation of the series come to the big screen, I’d go watch them. True, I found Luce to be quite noisome at times, but hey, she’s a teenager. I guess one whiny teen isn’t unusual! I suppose we whine as adults, but we don’t call it whining; we call it venting! Ha!

"Torment: A Fallen Novel" Review

The second book in a planned tetralogy, “Torment” (Sept. 28, 2010) is a Fallen novel by Lauren Kate. It is a young adult fantasy novel involving angels, demons and, particularly, a mortal 17-year-old girl who is definitely not a usual teenager by anyone’s definition.

            Growing up, Lucinda “Luce” Price saw what she referred to as “Shadows” from a young age. She is informed that they are actually called Announcers, but she coins them Shadows because she would normally see them hiding in actual shadows. They are wet and cold and damp. They often have a musty or other unattractive smell. Oh. And they have messages to tell her, pieces of her past, whether a recent past or a longer ago past.

            By the way, Luce is on her umpteenth reincarnation. The trouble is, she cannot remember her past lives, but they are extremely important. Here is where the angels come in. Actually, one specific angel. Daniel Grigori is a fallen angel on the angel side. He has loved Luce for eons and has watched her leave him – rather dramatically – time after time, generation upon generation, always in her seventeenth year. There must be a beginning to their story, a very first time that Daniel saw Luce, but when was it? Where can Luce find the answers she so desperately seeks and feels she needs to know? And why did Daniel choose her, a mortal?

            No pressure, but she also has factions who would like to harm her. One group is known as the Elders, though not much is explained about them, except one – Miss Sophia from the first novel – tried to kill her. Luce does not understand why they are out for her. Then there are the Outcasts, mentioned in the book as “spineless, waffling angels” who have been shunned by both gates. The Outcasts’ one great strength is a starshot. What is a starshot?

            A truce is going on between angels and demons. Thanks to an Announcer, she sees that Daniel and Cam Briel are working together (it is understood that Cam was a major antagonist in the first book). Cam is a fallen angel on the demon side. Utterly baffling to Luce. And what is this about a truce timeline?

            Whatever it is, Luce is in danger. She is shuffled from one school near her parents in Georgia to a school for gifted students called Shoreline, though its main purpose is to house Nephilim, half angels or half humans, depending on how you look at it, in California. Her roommate, Shelby, is one. She puts up a tough front, but she’s got a kind-hearted side. Yoga enthusiast. Miles is also one. He becomes a friend to Luce: he’s also the easygoing, laidback guy that Daniel, the love of her many lives, is definitely not.

            Luce thinks Daniel is way overprotective about staying on campus. She even eventually gets grounded all in the name of her protection. She doesn’t get it for most of the book, going out anyway, but Daniel is determined to protect her. Can he keep her safe always?

            If you enjoy reading fantasy and paranormal novels, this series may be up your alley. Instead of wizards and dark wizards or vampires and werewolves, there are angels and demons (and there always seem to be humans in there somewhere). I do advise, though, that you start at the beginning of the series. Context clues may help in figuring out parts of the characters and back story, but I definitely felt like I was missing bits and pieces. It wasn’t like other stories I’ve read where I can simply get by starting at the third book, or even the seventeenth book, in.

            Avoid this book if you’re disinterested in saving-the-pretty-girl-who’s-super-important-to-the-world-in-a-possible-love-triangle stories. Otherwise … enjoy!

Note: The final book in this tetralogy, Rapture, was released in June 2012. I now have the four books so that I can read them from the series’ beginning to its end, though I haven’t yet. Don’t be surprised if I some day review the final book or the tetralogy as a whole!