THE GATHERING DARK BOOK EVENT & TRAILER

Earlier this week I had the great privilege of meeting Leigh Bardugo as part of her tour for her first YA fantasy The Gathering Dark (aka Shadow and Bone). Not only is Leigh an amazingly lovely person, but as Leigh described how she came up with the idea for her debut book, I literally got goosebumps...

Previously Leigh worked as a makeup artist. And as Halloween was always a time when everyone wanted spooky makeup done for free, Leigh decided to go out of town and escape from work. Her getaway with friends included a Halloween party for which she kindly offered to give the hosts a makeover as a goodwill gesture. Unfortunately they offered the entire party a free makeover courtesy of Leigh. So after several hours of slaving away at the party, Leigh wasn't best pleased. As a show of her feelings, the next night she decided to stay in and read when everyone else went out partying. But after falling asleep, she awoke in the strange country house to pitch blackness. As she panicked trying to find the light switch, she started thinking about a place where the dark was permanent and couldn't be turned off by the flick of a switch. This is turn made Leigh think about where this dark place would be and who might create such a terrible place. And thus, with some research which included Russian post-war stories, Shadow and Bone was born.

Having read the book, I can truly say it is beautifully written and enchanting. I loved the Russian elements, and now having heard of Leigh's background some of the characters and their roles in the book make perfect sense. In case you are intrigued, here is the blurb for the book:

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free? 

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.
But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

There seems to have been a spate of YA books being bought recently for film, and The Gathering Dark is no different. Dreamworks have picked up Leigh's book for future film production and I can't wait to see who is cast for it. A few months back before this news was known, Casey at Dark Readers also saw the book's potential and decided we needed to make a trailer for the book.

So here is the video trailer the fab Casey and Amina put together for The Gathering Dark.

You can check out Leigh and The Gathering Dark here:

Amazon
Twitter
Goodreads

FYI...AUTHOR EVENT 26TH SEPT 2012

Here's a quick bit of info, in case you missed it first time around like me.

An Evening with David Almond and Oliver Jeffers, chaired by Sarah McIntyre

WATERSTONE'S PICCADILLY
Wednesday 26th September at 6.30pm

Tickets £5/£3 for loyalty card holders, available in store or via events@piccadilly.waterstones.co.uk or 020 7851 2400.

David Almond, multi award-winning author of Skellig and Kit’s Wilderness will be joined by internationally acclaimed artist, writer and illustrator, Oliver Jeffers, whose books include Lost and Found, How to Catch a Star and the new release This Moose Belongs to Me, where they will be discussing their new book The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas, through a special words and pictures event, chaired by illustrator and writer, Sarah McIntyre.

More details: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/displayDetailEvent.do?searchType=1&author=David|Almond

REVIEW: RIVERS OF LONDON

Rivers of London
Author: Ben Aaronovitch
Series: Yes, #1
UK Publisher: Gollancz
UK Release date: January 2011
Genre: Contemporary paranormal

After 2 years in the police force as a probationary constable, Peter Grant is facing a future career of humdrum paperwork and filing; until he meets the sole witness to a brutal murder. It’s just a shame the witness is a ghost and he’s the only person that can see him. But as Grant discovers, the Metropolitan Police Service has a special ‘arrangement’ for paranormal activity within the capitol: namely Detective Chief Inspector Nightingale. Taking Grant under his wing as an apprentice wizard, he is led into a world of magic, mayhem and plenty of mischief. 

Review: Right from the start Aaronovitch’s distinctive writing style grabbed me; Grant’s narrative has been written with humour, wit, and a real sense of personality. Observations and commentary of human behaviour, such as how people behave on public transport, is something we all pay little attention to but notice more on a subconscious level. And by adding these observations into the narrative Aaronovitch makes the story feel real and very true to life.

Grant's narrative does try to maintain a delicate balance between magic and science, which should satisfy readers like myself that need a little 'proof' or theory behind paranormal activity and a bit of natural scepticism to make the magic feel a bit more realistic. The fact that the paranormal elements are also balanced with the crime element, adds more importance to Grant's role and puts him in lots of dangerous situations. Grant in himself is interesting, as well as his role within the police service. He doesn't stick to the rules, he's curious, inquisitive and makes things up as he goes along, which often gets him in trouble. Grant continuously tries to figure out where the magic comes from and how it works, experimenting with magic and sometimes trying things beyond his means. This curiosity and intrigue keeps the plot interesting and helps him get out of a few sticky situations.

With an action packed plot, Grant has a tumultuous start to his new job as apprentice wizard. Skipping easily through ‘quieter periods’ of his training and learning kept a steady pace to the story, leaving the rest full of action, mystery and intrigue. 

Rivers of London is richly woven with London’s past and geography, adding a real sense of place and history to the story. Magical elements are also linked into geography in an intriguing way, such as rivers being connected to living embodiments through some mysterious magical force. I did find myself confused at the ‘Punch and Judy’ historical link, but that may because the plot was purposefully filled with mystery and questions.

The characters ranged from normal, honest but likeable Lesley, who was steady and dedicated to her job, to Beverly Brooks, a London river in corporeal form. There was obviously chemistry between Grant and both of these very different women, and I'm intrigued to see where this little triangle goes. I also loved Toby the dog and how he ended up involved in the story and helping investigations. There’s something about a lovable, furry side-kick that I adore in any story.

Combining investigative crime-fighting with magical forces and a witty narrative, Rivers of London has potential to be a great series.

Rating: 4*

REVIEW: WANDERLOVE

Wanderlove 
Author: Kirsten Hubbard
Series: No, standalone
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Release date: March 2012
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Read via NetGalley

After finishing high school and breaking up with her boyfriend, Bria decides to rebel against everyone's expectations and travel to Central America on her own. Whilst trying to escape from the things that are holding her back, Bria meets Rowan who is also running from his past. Together they may just go on a journey of self-discovery and Wanderlove.

Review: Reading Wanderlove, I loved how genuine and true to real-life it was, and it took me straight back to my days backpacking. Bria's travels were filled with beauty, fears, danger, and discovery. As a newbie traveller, Bria gets off the plane in Central America wearing her waterproofs and surrounded by middle aged tourists which instantly makes her feel like a sore thumb and very uncool. You can tell that Hubbard has obviously travelled to these places, and she perfectly describes how it feels to land in and travel around a strange, exotic and unfamiliar country. The little lists and drawings that weaved in so well to the plot added realism, humour and insight into the characters.

I really liked and got Bria; I could relate to how Toby had taken over her life and after their break-up left her feeling like she had nothing left, not even art. She put their relationship as a couple first, above her own plans and dreams, to her own detriment. Although she was trying to hide from all of this, Bria still had the guts to go travelling, and face her fears. She was humorous and witty, her narrative reflecting her fears yet also slightly self-mocking at the same time.

Rowan was very mysterious, keeping his dark past hidden from Bria. But like Bria, he felt very real. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if there was a real-life Rowan scuba diving in Central America at this very moment. Rowan and Bria's friendly relationship frustrated and excited me at the same time; you could feel the tension and attraction there but both held back because of their own fears.

I wouldn’t say Wanderlove was fast paced and action packed, but for me that didn’t matter. The story flowed so well, the Central American backdrop absolutely captivated me, and I really wanted to see what happened to Bria (and Bria and Rowan).

Perfect for anyone who wants an insight into what it’s like backpacking or wants to re-live their own travels, you will be inspired you to grab your passport and head off to far flung places. Wanderlove is a great contemporary YA story with strong and real characters that touches on issues such as keeping your own sense of self in a relationship and the transformation of travelling.

Rating: 4*

REVIEW: DRAGONFLIGHT

Here is my review of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonflight, as part of Caroline's reading challenge. Hop on over to her blog, Portrait of a Woman for more info.


Dragonflight (The first chronicle of Pern)

Author: Anne McCaffrey

UK Publisher: Corgi

UK Release date: 1968

Genre: Fantasy

Summary (from Goodreads): To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise—and take back her stolen birthright. But everything changes when she meets a queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa’s world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread, but there are very few of them left these days. Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world. . . .

Review: In a land, where once dragons and their riders were revered and respected above all, the old songs and faith in dragonriders has now diminished. Dragons are near to extinction, and the red star in the sky forewarns of a danger - Threads, which will destroy all life on their planet. Lessa, a young kitchen drudge, has been living only to gain revenge  of the man who killed her family, but when the search for a weyrwoman brings F'lor to her hold he discovers she may be worthy of riding a queen dragon.

"To forestall the incursions of the dreadful Threads, the Pernese, with the ingenuity of their forgotten Terran forebears, developed a highly specialised variety of a life-form indigenous to their adopted planet. Such humans as had a high empathy rating and some innate telepathic ability were trained to use and preserve this unusual animal whose ability to teleport was of great value in the fierce struggle to keep Pern bare of Threads."

To start the plot is slow to develop, trying to build up the many aspects of this planet and the dragon-lore. Through the course of the book the plot accelerates dramatically so that things come much faster towards the end. There is also a great twist in the plot that certainly makes the story a much more interesting read.

Although the characters including their dragons aren't developed enough, there is contrast and interplay between F'lor's leadership qualities and hidden sensitivity and Lessa's determined stubbornness. You do see their relationship develop with them becoming more caring of each other, but this would benefit from more emotional insight. Due to the bonding between dragon and rider they can telepathically communicate with each other, which adds an interesting layer of dialogue. These relationships are the most interesting as they are relaxed and intimate, and I particularly enjoyed the dragon Mnementh's character and witty retorts which added humour. 

The book certainly touches on issues of control, sex and gender. However, they aren't touched on in a sensitive way. For example, as Lessa's and F'lor's dragons mate there is an instinct and tradition for they themselves to mate. F'lor sees the sex they share more as 'rape', however we never hear Lessa's views on their sexual encounters. Whilst I don't necessarily have a problem with their relationship which may or may not be abusive, I feel the story lacks empathy or understanding of feeling that could be so easily explored. We do not know how Lessa feels about these encounters and having to deal with her first sexual partner being thrust upon her. Some consideration has to be given to the fact it was written in the 1960s when gender issues were very different, however the story lacks a vital character perspective by not showing us Lessa's feelings on this topic.

The great part of the story is its science fiction aspects including being able to teleport with your dragon. Other events happen, which I won't detail as I don't want to spoil the plot, but add a real interest and extra dimension to the story. This works much better than the intended 'danger' of the Threads, which don't have a real sense of urgency to them even though they could turn the vegetation to wasteland.

I wouldn't want anyone to be put of by my review, which perhaps seems more negative than intended. Whilst I was initially confused by the setting and the concept of threads, there are events later in the plot that are very unexpected, really interesting, and keep you hooked. Perhaps down to 'first book' issues, I would certainly read on to see how the  characters and plot develops.

Rating: 3.5*

ANNE MCCAFFREY READING CHALLENGE 2011

This year, I've decided to focus more on Fantasy books: reading fantasy books I haven't read before, watching out for debut fantasy authors and so on. I've even joined Fantasy-Faction so that I can discuss these books and authors with other people.

I will also be taking part in Caroline's (Portrait of a Woman) Anne McCaffrey Reading Challenge for 2011! I like the fact that the challenge is flexible, so it means I can read as many or as few books as I want. If you want to find out more about the challenge, follow the link to Caroline's blog post here. You can also visit Anne McCaffrey's blog (link here) for more news and information about her.

So the books I'm planning to read in 2011 are 'The Dragonriders of Pern' (the original trilogy):

* Dragonflight. Review here.

* Dragonquest

* The White Dragon

I'll start with these 3, and see where I go from there. I will also review the books and post here.

I'm interested to see if anyone has read these books before? Any opinions?