Arcadia Awakens Book Review

 Author: Kai Meyer. Release date: 2012. Publisher: Balzar+ Bray. ISBN: 9780062006066.

Annotation: After tragedy strikes, seventeen-year-old Rosa Alcantara leaves her home in New York City and moves to Sicily to live with her aunt and sister. The Alcantaras are one of the most powerful Mafia families in Italy, and Rosa doesn’t know what to expect by moving to Palazzo Alcantara. When she happens to meet Alessandro Carnevare, the heir to a rival family, however, the quiet life she was hoping to begin in Sicily is turned upside down.    

Personal thoughts: This was one of those books that really left me stumped on what to expect. I knew it was about the Mafia, I had a pretty good guess that it had to do with shapeshifting of some kind, and I knew it was by a German author. What I didn’t know, and was pleasantly surprised to find out, was that it was one of the most unique books I’ve read for the young adult audience this year. The Mafia isn’t something you find too often in books for teens, and I really enjoyed the way the author dove headfirst into creating a very Godfather-­y tale. The mythological and paranormal aspects of the story kind of took a backseat for me as I was reading the book, but I am hoping they will be expanded upon in the second and third installments because I think they hold loads of potential. One minor (and annoying) detail that I felt compelled to mention, was the frequent use of the word “supple” in the novel. I don’t have a problem with this word and maybe it had something to do with the book being translated from German to English, but it seemed like everything in the novel was “supple.” A little strange. There is also a decent amount of swearing, violence and gore in the book, which would make it hard for me to recommend to middle school-ers. For older teens, however, I would definitely suggest Arcadia Awakens as a unique and enjoyable read, chock full of romance and adventure.

Plot summary: Life for seventeen-year-old Rosa Alcantara has never been simple. Part of one of the most powerful Mafia families in Italy, Rosa’s parents moved her and her sister Zoe to New York City to escape the crime and murder that is part of everyday life for the Alcantaras. After tragedy strikes, however, Rosa decides to move to Sicily, and join Zoe, who already left New York to live with Florinda in the Palazzo Alcantara. As head of the Alcantaras, Florinda is far from warm and fuzzy, but Rosa hopes that a new life in Sicily will be what she needs. Everything changes, however, when Rosa happens to meet handsome and charming Alessandro Carnevare. As the son and heir of the Carnevare family, Alessandro is an enemy of Rosa’s, but the two are instantly attracted to one another. Alessandro’s father has recently died, and he is set to become the next head of the Carnevare family. Alessandro informs Rosa, however, that he believes his father’s advisor and right-hand-man, Cesare , wants to overthrow him and becoming the new leader of the Carnevares. Rosa wants to help Alessandro, much to the distress of Florinda and Zoe who don’t want her anywhere near members of a rival family. Things are further complicated when, one evening, Rosa encounters a massive, powerful tiger in the forest surrounding the Palazzo, a tiger with very human-like eyes who seems to know who she is.

Review: Originally published in Germany, this novel from renowned author Kai Meyer is the first installment in the Arcadia Awakens trilogy. Part Godfather part paranormal romance, Arcadia Awakens is a truly unique book for teens. While there are paranormal elements to the story, the bulk of the novel is made up of the conflict between the Alcantaras and Carnevares, two rival Mafia families and members of Cosa Nostra. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Mafia might be slightly confused by many of the terms and references, although the novel could be incentive to learn more about one of pop culture’s most commonly depicted organized crime groups. For those who aren’t as interested in the Mafia aspects of the story, the very Romeo and Juliet romance between Rosa and Alessandro, as well as the paranormal elements, will be intriguing enough on their own. The author does a good job of creating a story that appeals to a broad audience, and one that definitely has enough potential to warrant a trilogy. The second book in the trilogy, Arcadia Burns, has been released in Germany and will be released in the United States in the near future.

Genre:  Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 9+

Similar titles: Tiger’s Curse series by Colleen Houck, Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs, Starcrossed series by Josephine Angelini.  

Themes:  The Mafia, Sicily, Italy, shapeshifting, Greek mythology, Atlantis, loyalty, murder, rape.  

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books and VOYA.    

Series Information: First novel in Arcadia Awakens trilogy. Second and third novels, Arcadia Burns and Arcadia Falls, have been released in Germany, will be released in USA in the future.     

Discussion questions:

-        What is the significance of the song ”My Death” in the novel?

-       Explain why Rosa moved to Sicily. Do you think it was the right decision?

-       Why do you think Rosa is so drawn to Alessandro? Why is Alessandro so drawn to Rosa?

-      Would you describe Zoe as a protagonist or antagonist in the novel? Florinda? Fundling? Pantaleone?

-        Who is your favorite character in the novel? Why?

-      What would you like to see happen in the sequel?

 

 

 

Everneath Book Review

Author: Brodi Ashton. Release date: 2012. Publisher:  Balzer + Bray. ISBN: 9780062071132.

Annotation: Nikki Beckett has spent the last hundred years in the Everneath: the dimension between Earth and Hell where the Everliving feed off the energy of those from the surface. As a Forfeit, Nikki’s energy went to her Everliving host, Cole, who convinced her that allowing him to feed off of her would ease the pain from her mother’s death. What Cole didn’t know, however, is that Nikki’s memory of her loving boyfriend, Jack, would make her a Forfeit unlike any other.  

Personal thoughts: The concept of the protagonist in a young adult novel travelling, literally, to Hell and back is nothing new. I was very impressed, however, with how Brodi Ashton made the concept fresh and interesting in Everneath. The Persephone myth has always intrigued me, and I really liked the modern adaptation in this novel. I also thought that Nikki was a really interesting character with a surprising amount of depth. I found myself actually caring what happened to her and wondering how she was going to decide what to do with the little time she had left on the surface. I’m really looking forward to the sequel, as well as whatever Brodi Ashton comes up with next!

Plot summary: Nikki Beckett has spent the last hundred years in the Everneath: the dimension between Earth and Hell where the Everliving feed off the energy of those from the surface. Having agreed to allow Cole, a handsome and charismatic musician and one of the Everliving, to take her to the Everneath, Nikki became a Forfeit: someone not expected to survive the mental trauma of a Feed who eventually will serve as a source of energy for the entire Everneath. After the Feed is complete, Nikki is allowed to return to the surface, but only for six months until the Everneath returns to claim her for a life of torture and entrapment. On the surface, only six months have passed, but Nikki has lived for much longer than her sixteen years trapped in the Everneath where time moves at a different pace. Nikki has trouble remembering things about her life before the Feed, but the one thing she does remember is Jack: the loving boyfriend who helped her get through her mother’s tragic death in a car accident. While she was in the Everneath, everyone, including Jack, her father, brother and her best friend, Jules, assumed that Nikki had run away, unable to face the pain of losing her mother. Now that she has returned, Nikki wants to use the short time she has left to say her final goodbyes to her family and friends. One problem stands in the way of Nikki’s plan, however: Cole. It appears that Cole has his own plan for his Forfeit, something that would make Nikki a queen in the Everneath but would cost her soul. Will Nikki choose to join Cole, losing all hope of redemption for a chance to live forever? Or is there another way for Nikki to escape her fate in the Everneath, one that involves the love for Jack that kept her going for a century?

Review: A modern day re-telling of the classic Persephone myth, this novel from debut author Brodi Ashton makes for a riveting and romantic start to a new series for teens. The subject of Greek mythology and myths in general permeates the story, but in a way far less ostentatiously than other mythical adaptations for young adults. Upon her return from the Everneath, Nikki examines myths and the heroes they contain, something that is likely to spark a least a mild interest in teen readers to research the subject further. The author has done a good job of weaving modern elements in with the mythological aspects, turning the “Hades” character into a handsome, iPhone carrying bad boy and making Nikki, the Persephone of the book, grapple with typical high school situations like bullying and feeling like she doesn’t fit in. The plot also takes a few twists and turns that make for some unexpected surprises and maintain the reader’s interest. The novel ends with a very effective cliffhanger as well, and teens are likely to clamber for the sequel, Everbound, which is set to be released December 1, 2012.

Genre:  Science-Fiction

Reading level: Grade 8+

Similar titles: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor, Falling Under by Gwen Hayes, Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent, Misfit by Jon Skovron, The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff, Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs, Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini.   

Themes:  Redemption, mythology, Persephone, Hell, afterlife, sacrifice, death, high school relationships, love.    

Awards/Reviews:  Starred review from VOYA, positive reviews from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.  

Series Information: First installment in Everneath series. Second novel, Everbound, set to be released December 1, 2012.

Discussion questions:

-         Why do you think time passes differently in the Everneath?

-       Why do you think that Nikki was able to survive the Feed?

-        Do you think Cole had true feelings for Nikki? Why or why not?

-       Do you think that Nikki’s father was too strict with her after her Return? Why or why not?

-        Why do you think Nikki agreed to go to the Everneath with Cole in the first place? Was it the right choice? Why or why not?

-      Would you have done what Jack did for Nikki?

-        What would you like to see happen in the sequel?

Starcrossed Book Review

Author: Josephine Angelini. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  HarperTeen. ISBN: 9780062011992.

Annotation: Sixteen-year-old Helen Hamilton’s life changes forever when she encounters Lucas Delos, a member of a wealthy family that just moved into a mansion near her home on Nantucket Island. Helen is shocked to learn that she, like Lucas and the rest of the Delos family, is a Scion: a descendant of Greek gods and goddesses who have been feuding since the Trojan War.

Personal thoughts:  I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and am excited that it seems to be making a bit of a resurgence in contemporary literature, especially for young adults. I could immediately pick up on the comparison of Helen and Lucas to Helen of Troy and Paris, and thought that this was a very interesting idea to explore in the novel. Although I think the story took a few twists and turns that I would have liked to see happen more fluidly, I did enjoy Starcrossed and think Josephine Angelini has a very bright future as a young adult author. I’m looking forward to reading Dreamless and am curious to see where Angelini takes her characters next.  

Plot summary: Sixteen-year-old Helen Hamilton lives with her single father on Nantucket Island. Helen has always felt out of place, unsure of why she is so much taller, stronger and faster than other girls her age. What Helen wants more than anything is to avoid attention from anyone but her loving father and her spunky best friend, Claire.  Helen is thrust into the spotlight, however, when she first meets Lucas Delos. The Delos family has recently moved to the island from Spain, causing rumors to circulate about their wealth. Helen is not as excited as everyone else about the new family’s arrival, and is therefore shocked when, upon first setting eyes on Lucas, she finds herself consumed with rage and an overwhelming desire to attack and kill him. Gossip spreads quickly on the small island, but the truth of Helen’s assault on Lucas is more than anyone could have guessed: Helen and Lucas are both Scions, descendents of Greek gods and goddesses, as is the rest of the Delos Family. It seems that Helen and Lucas are from rivaling Scion houses and are at the center of a feud that stems from Helen of Troy and her decision that started the Trojan War thousands of years earlier. The Fates have a role for Helen in the tragedy that has repeated itself for centuries, one that can’t seem to control. But as Helen and Lucas get to know each other, will the Fates continue to demand blood-for-blood?

Review:  A cross between Romeo and Juliet and The Iliad, Angelini’s debut novel, and the first installment in the Starcrossed trilogy, makes for an enjoyable if somewhat melodramatic story for young adults, especially those who are fans of Greek mythology. One of the best aspects of the novel is the setting, which the author, a Massachusetts native, took great care in creating. Various aspects of life on Nantucket Island are made central to the story, from locations, to architecture, to weather. Even readers who are not even vaguely familiar with the rich history of the island will be able to appreciate the unique setting for the author’s epic (no pun intended) romance. Drawing a great deal from Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey, Angelini ventures even further than many ofher contemporaries into the increasingly popular inclusion of Greek mythology in young adult novels. Several series have sprouted up in recent years that rely heavily on elements of mythology, but Starcrossed is truly for fans of the ancient stories, with characters named after famous figures like Hector, Ariadne, and Cassandra and references to the various events in The Iliad and The Odyssey. The author does a good job of weaving the rather intricate tale, but there are, unfortunately, several points in the novel where the reader might feel more than a little bit confused. The forbidden romance between Helen and Lucas also gets tiresome (the lovesick pair are constantly trying to decide whether to stay away from each other or run away together), but the rest of the novel makes up for these weaker elements by packing a great deal of action and entertainment into the story. Overall, a great start to a promising trilogy for young adults.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs, The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter, Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon, Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett.    

Themes:  Greek mythology, Romeo and Juliet, loyalty, Trojan War, revenge, romance.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Booklist.     

Series Information: First installment in Starcrossed trilogy. Second novel, Dreamless, set to be published May 29, 2012.   

Discussion questions:

- Why do you think Helen felt like an outcast for most of her life? Was it more than just her strength?

- Why did the Furies stop plaguing Helen whenever she saw Lucas?

- Do you think it was right for Helen to get Claire involved in the business of the Scions? Why or why not?

- Why do you think Pandora did what she did?

- What would you like to see happen in the sequel, Dreamless?

Dark of the Moon Book Review

Author: Tracy Barrett. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Harcourt Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780547581323.

Annotation:  The myth of the Minotaur has taken many forms since its creation in ancient times. In this version, Ariadne is a reluctant priestess in training who is fiercely protective of her older brother, Asterion, whose deformities and childlike nature have given him the reputation of being a monster.

Personal thoughts:  As a huge fan of both historical fiction and mythology I was really excited to read this book. I was glad that I did! Although I love historical fiction, I often find that the pacing can be a little slow. That was not the case with Dark of the Moon. Changing perspectives between Ariadne and Theseus was a good move on the part of the author in terms of keeping the plot moving forward. I also really enjoyed how in-depth the character development was, even for the more minor characters. I look forward to seeing if Tracy Barrett published more myth re-tellings.  

Plot summary: In the ancient Krete, teenage Ariadne is in training to become a goddess of the moon, as her mother, mother’s mother and so on have done for centuries. Ariadne, known as She-Who-Will-Be-Goddess, spends most of her life confined in the palace walls, cut off from the world by the fear the people of Krete feel at offending the Goddess. Ariadne takes comfort in the love she feels for her older brother, Asterion. Although Asterion was born with severe deformities and a childlike nature, Ariadne is fiercely protective of him. The people of Krete greatly misunderstand Asterion, whose complete ignorance of his own strength causes him to accidentally hurt or even kill those who are offered up as his companions. In an effort to avoid the wrath of Krete’s navy, neighboring countries frequently send gifts to the island in the form of goods, luxuries, and human sacrifices. One day, Theseus, a prince of Athens, is sent by his vengeful stepmother to become a companion to Asterion, who the Athenians refer to as the “Minotaurus.” Ariadne encounters Theseus by chance shortly after his arrival and is surprised to find that he is actually friendly with her, unlike the rest of the palace residents who want nothing more than to avoid her presence. Ariadne enjoys her friendship, and budding romance, with Theseus, but senses that there is danger lurking. In the original telling of the myth of the Minotaur, Theseus kills the monster before marrying Ariadne. Will the same fate befall Asterion, Ariadne and Theseus in Dark of the Moon?

Review:  Bringing to life a centuries old myth and making it relevant to young adult readers is no small-feat, but one that author Tracy Barrett manages to accomplish in Dark of the Moon. The story of Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur are likely to be somewhat familiar to most young adult readers, even if it is limited to fleeting images of a vicious monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull. The myth is actually quite interesting in its own right, but Barrett’s re-telling brings a level of poignancy not found in the original tale. The narration of the novel changes between Ariadne and Theseus throughout the novel, allowing each character to be given a rich back-story and appropriate amount of development. Instead of being a lumbering soldier who uses his brute force to slay the evil monster, Theseus is actually a young man who struggles with confidence as a result of years of bullying and neglect from his mother and the people in his small village. Ariadne is not merely a mystical priestess, but a teenage girl who doubts that she has the ability to follow in her mother’s footsteps and bring prosperity to Krete by becoming the human incarnation of the moon goddess. Almost as interesting as the primary characters are Asterion, the lovable Minotaurus himself, and Prokris, a scheming Athenian girl who accompanies Theseus to Krete with a plan to overthrow the “barbarians” in charge. Overall, Dark of the Moon is a multi-layered and entertaining take on an old tale; certain to be equally enjoyable for adult as well as teen readers.

Genre: Historical Fiction/Myth

Reading level: Grade 6+

Similar titles: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs, Cleopatra’s Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter.

Themes:  Myths, Krete, minotaur, Ariadne, Theseus, duty.

Awards/Reviews:  Positive reviews from Kirkus and Booklist.

Series Information: N/A   

Discussion questions:

- Read the original myth of the minotaur. How does it compare to the novel? Do you like the way the novel re-told the myth?

- Why do you think everyone thought Asterion was a monster? Do you think he was?

- Why do you think Ariadne felt so lonely?

- What do you think Ariadne’s visions of Prokris and Theseus meant?

- Do you think that Theseus' choice at the end of the novel was the right thing to do? Why or why not? What would you have done?

Sweet Venom Book Review

Author: Tera Lynn Childs. Release date: 2011. Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN: 9780062001818.

Annotation:  Gretchen, Grace and Greer are sixteen-year-old triplets and descendents of the Gorgon Medusa destined to spend their lives fighting mythical creatures that invade the human realm. The only problem is that the three girls don’t know each other exists, and only Gretchen is aware of her role as a monster hunter.  

Personal thoughts:  As a fan of Greek mythology, I was really excited to hear about a book that incorporates one of my favorite mythical leading ladies, Medusa, into the story. I was not disappointed in the resulting novel, which takes this rather gruesome myth and turns it into an engaging book for young adults. I really appreciate that Sweet Venom is not only entertaining, but also an opportunity for readers who are not as well-versed in Greek mythology to learn more. I am really looking forward to the next installment in the Medusa Girls!  

Plot summary: Told in alternating voices between the three sisters, Sweet Venom is the beginning of a new series for young adults about triplets Gretchen, Grace and Greer: sixteen-year-old descendents of the misunderstood Gorgon, Medusa, who are destined to spend their lives as huntresses, sending monsters who cross into the human realm to hunt back to where they belong. At the outset of the novel, only Gretchen is aware of her role as a monster hunter. Unaware that she even has a sister, let alone two identical twins, Gretchen encounters Grace, a recent transplant to San Francisco, by chance and is surprised to find that the girl who looks just like her also seems to have the ability to see monsters. It seems that San Francisco, the setting of the novel, is home to a gap between the monster realm and the human realm. Monsters roam the city disguised as humans, and only the three huntresses have the ability to see their true forms and, using their fangs, dispatch the monsters. At first, Grace is excited to meet her twin, but wary of training with the Rambo-like Gretchen to fight minotaurs, draeconas, and other “beasties.” When Grace and Gretchen discover they have a third sister, Greer, it seems that they’ve stumbled upon more than they bargained for about the truth of their heritage and their role in securing the safety of the human realm.

Review:  Fans of Greek mythology will relish the first installment of the Medusa Girls trilogy by veteran author Tera Lynn Childs. Full of references to the residents of Mount Olympus (apparently, Athena was jealous of Medusa and fabricated the whole “snake haired killer” scenario), ancient monsters, oracles and more, this novel offers a fun and fresh take on some very old characters. Told in alternating voices between the three sisters, the plot constantly moves forward, making for an engaging and quick read. The author does a good job of introducing enough of the plot points to keep the reader interested, while also leaving some details to be unraveled in the second and third installments of the trilogy. The San Francisco setting of the story is also very pleasing for Bay Area residents, as the city itself plays a large role in the story. Childs has also been able to successfully create three sixteen-year-old female protagonists who manage to not tread into “annoying” territory very often. The meek but kind Grace makes a good contrast to the seasoned Gretchen. Greer doesn’t make her appearance until well into the novel, but also manages to be an interesting character as well. Overall, a good start to an interesting series.

Genre: Fantasy

Reading level: Grade 7+

Similar titles: Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs, Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs.

Themes:  Greek mythology, monsters, sisters, San Francisco.

Awards/Reviews:  N/A.

Series Information: First installment in Medusa Girls series.  

Discussion questions:

- Research the history of Medusa. How does her legend compare to the story of Sweet Venom?

- Which of the sisters is your favorite? Why?

- Have you ever known someone like Miranda? Why do they behave the way they do?

- Which sister do you identify with the most?

- Do you think there is more to Nick and Gretchen’s relationship than what Nick is letting on?

- Why do you think Greer began to see monsters after she met Gretchen and Grace?