The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M Valente

Another great cover, and another long title! ‘The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There‘ follows on from ‘The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making‘, which I reviewed last year. It’s probably not necessary to read the 1st, if you’ve picked up this one, but it would certainly add to the experience, so I would recommend going back if possible.

Both books are quite difficult to describe, and I don’t think my reviews do them justice. They are, in essence, wonderful fairy stories, with some very imaginative creatures and characters. Catherynne’s style is very lyrical, and no matter what strange thing she is describing, the words seem to flow from the page.

Most of the important characters from her earlier adventure are there, but are not themselves. In the world under Fairlyland, she meets their shadows, almost the same, but with differences – some subtle, some not so subtle. Her own shadow, taken from her during that first adventure, is in charge, and September feels that things are not right, and it’s up to her to put it right.

Amongst the strangeness and magic, there are serious themes and truths, and this felt like a more grown up book than the 1st. September is now a young teenager, and throughout her adventure, she somehow manages to go through those usual teen thoughts and situations, including learning to think about others, her plans for her future, and her first kiss.

I don’t see these books mentioned enough, and I think they have the potential to be future classics – younger readers will enjoy the magical strangeness, whilst those a little older will start to see a little deeper. There are many layers, and I’m sure I will find more on re-reading.

Recommended for readers of all ages who enjoy falling into a book and getting lost there.

Tempest by Julie Cross

Tempest is the first in a YA trilogy, which I would say is aimed more at older teenagers – which also makes it great for us oldies too! I have to sadly admit that if I’d simply glanced at the cover, I would have dismissed this as yet another teen romance book – but once I realised it included time travel, I knew I had to give it a try – and I’m very glad I did!

Our time traveller in Tempest is Jackson, a 19 year old living happily in 2009. Jackson has discovered that he can jump short distances into his past, but his actions there have no impact on the future. As is often said in the book, forget all you think you know about time travel!

He and his friend Adam are carrying out small experiments to find out more about his abilities, and he’s enjoying being with his girlfriend Holly.

This all changes when Holly is shot, and Jackson suddenly finds himself in 2007, apparently with no way back. In a short period of time he realises that there’s more to his father than he previously realised, and that he may be in a lot of danger. He sets out to befriend Adam once again, to gain his help, and to find Holly, who he originally met after 2007.

It’s probably at this point where I felt the most muddled, but I soon settled into what was happening. Unfortunately this is also where for me the story slowed a little – too much time seems spent on Jackson and Holly’s relationship, although it does help you to realise how important their relationship is to him.

After a while though the pace picks up again, and everything becomes quite complex.. but not confusing. Their are hints to what the next book will hold, and it all sounds rather exciting.

Thankfully, for me at least, this wasn’t ‘yet another teen romance’ and yet the relationships, and emotions, are important to the story. The characters are realistic and well written, and I particularly loved the relationship between Jackson and his twin sister.

There’s a bit of everything in this book, and it appeals to both male and female. Even with the slight slow down in the middle, I found myself constantly picking up this book, and my opinion of it has actually grown since reading it. It’s certainly not one of those books you put down and immediately forget about. As with the best trilogies, the main story is wrapped up without a massive cliffhanger, but there are enough hints to make you add the next one straight to your wishlist!

Discover more here, including extra content for 16+

Gift of Time: A Family’s Diary of Cancer – Rory MacLean

When his mother Joan was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Rory and his wife Katrina invited her to live with them. During this time, they all kept diaries of their time, and in Gift of Time, Rory pulls these entries together, giving a candid insight into a difficult and heartbreaking time.

The majority of entries are from Rory, as he tries to put down in words how his mother’s condition affects every aspect of his life. Katrina’s entries show the wonderful relationship she has with her mother-in-law, and Joan’s give an insight into what remains important to her.

Yes, at times this is a difficult book to read, especially towards the end, but it’s in no way a sugary, heart-string tugging account. Instead it’s very raw and open, with an account of Joan’s changes as the cancer takes hold. It also feels positive, in the way that everyone comes together to deal with the illness and eventual death, as well as the way they are view the world, still enjoying nature and the garden.

For readers who have experienced this for themselves, it should be a very personal decision as to when is the right time to read this. I would imagine it would be very hard if it’s a recent event, but other reviewers have said they’ve found it helpful a few years after – knowing that others had experienced the same as them.

This book is a wonderful tribute to this family, but also to every family who have experienced similar.

Published by Constable and Robinson
Hardback / ebook Aug 2011
Paperback March 2013

The Mammoth Book of Unexplained Phenomena – Roy Bainton

In his introduction, Roy Bainton explains he’s been interested in Unexplained Phenomena since he was 13, and the amount of detail in this book reflects this. It’s a difficult book to review, so it’s probably easier if I outline what’s covered.

There are eight sections, and each offers a guide to the various phenomena – obviously there are no real answers or conclusions, as most remain, well, unexplained, but it’s a great place to start exploring this area. If you find a particular phenomena which interests you, Roy provides links to websites, and a bibliography.

This is one of those great books to have on your coffee table or besides your bed, to dip in and out of. Although saying that, I did find myself fascinated by certain sections, and ended up reading for more than the length of a coffee!

The eight sections are as follows:
The Age of Unreason
Hot Chestnuts – UFOs
Beyond The Veil
Inexplicable Astronomy
Bizarre Biology
Maritime Mysteries
Panic and Paranoia
Combining the Fringe

Published by Constable and Robinson

Among Others by Jo Walton

Among Others was first published in 2011, and has won two awards – and yet reader reviews are varied. Having been sent a copy for review, I can see why. There’s a lot to love about this book, but also some aspects which can be annoying. I started off very unsure, but by the time I put it down, it had worked it’s magic on me, and left a smile on my face. It’s not the easiest to review, so please bear with me if I ramble around…

On it’s surface, Among Others tells the story of Mor, a fifteen year old whose twin sister was killed in the accident which has left Mor with an injured leg. Trying to get away from her mad mother, Mor ends up with her estranged father and her aunts, who send her away to boarding school. There, Mor deals with the grief of losing her sister, whilst accepting who she is, and the limitations she faces from her injuries. She discovers more about her family, and experiences her first relationships. Yes, on it’s surface, this is a coming of age novel, but there are some interesting twists.

Mor and her sister grew up seeing and playing with fairies, and her mother is a witch who tried to harm them. This gives a wonderful layer to the story, but is in no means the focus. This isn’t your traditional fantasy novel, full of other-worldly creatures and magical spells, and it’s quite possible that the fairies exist only in Mor’s mind – deciding which gives an interesting aspect, and readers will all have their own views.

The book itself is in a diary format, and runs over 300 pages in hardback and 400 in paperback. It’s a slow, mellow tale, just as you would expect from this format. To me, the first half was a little too slow, but then I’ve recently been reading some snappy YA novels, so this took some getting used to. There’s also a final aspect, which is both a positive and negative – Mor spends most of her time reading Science Fiction, and many of these books are mentioned and discussed. For fans of SF, I would imagine it would be fun spotting your own favourites, as well as checking out those new to you. For others, though, it becomes a little tedious, like being on the outside of a cliquey group. However, a book about a love of reading is always a bonus!

This is a book best approached with no expectations, and with plenty of time to give. If you allow it, it has much to give back.

The Phenomenals: A Tangle of Traitors by F.E. Higgins

The Phenomenals is a new fantasy series from F.E. Higgins, and it starts with A Tangle of Traitors. At just over 200 pages, and with short chapters, it’s marketed at 9+, although I would suggest it’s for more confident readers. The + is important.. I’m certainly a lot more than 9, and I really enjoyed it!

It’s set in the city of Degringolade, where the inhabitants are highly superstitious, and criminals are hung then thrown into the tar pit, where they become Lurids. These are smelly, ghostly entities, bound to the tar pits – unless someone can find a way to free them.

We are introduced to four characters, who eventually have to work together. Vincent is an outsider, an expert thief and pickpocket. Folly is a secretive character, living in a burial vault, and very knowledgeable about the Lurids. Citrine is a wealthy heiress who misses her father. Jonah is a harpoonist who keeps to himself after being swallowed by a whale.

This isn’t the easiest book to get into, hence my comment about more confident readers. Higgins is building a brand new world, where even time is expressed in a different way, and commonplace articles have different names. These are well explained though, but it took a while to adjust to the world, and the writing. Once there though, I fell in love with the setting and the characters, and sped my way through the book. There are certain books I connect with, and this is one of them – I didn’t like finishing it, and will be expectedly awaiting the next. It’s hard to compare this with anything else, but it did remind me of The Edge Chronicles.

Ideal for younger readers looking for their next step, but also for oldies like me, who enjoy fantasy and adventure!

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke

“Cat, this is Finn. He’s going to be your tutor.”

He looks and acts human, though he has no desire to be. He was programmed to assist his owners, and performs his duties to perfection. A billion-dollar construct, his primary task now is to tutor Cat. As she grows into a beautiful young woman, Finn is her guardian, her constant companion… and more.

But when the government grants rights to the ever-increasing robot population, however, Finn struggles to find his place in the world.

Following her acclaimed Young Adult debut for our sister imprint Strange Chemistry, The Assassin’s Curse, the very talented Cassandra Rose Clarke moves on to more adult themes, in a heartbreaking story of love, loss … and robots.

First of all, I think this has to be one of my favourite covers, it makes me sigh every time I see it. I was luck enough to receive an ecopy to review, but I think I shall need a physical copy too, just so I can have it on my shelf!

Anyway, onto the story, which opens with a young Cat being introduced to Finn, a robot who seems a little different to the others we are introduced to. The story is set in a time when robots are quite common, helping to rebuild a world affected by severe climate changes. Most are though, fairly simple beings, designed only for a certain role. Finn, however, looks and acts just like a human.

The events of the book happen over a long period, as we share in Cat’s life as she grows. There is the underlying scientific feel, touching on the rights of the robots as they evolve, but the emphasis is on the characters and their relationships. At it’s heart, it’s a beautifully written story, not only exploring the complexities between Cat and Finn, but also her changing relationships with her parents, and the other men who enter her life.

This is a rather unusual love story, which you will, well, fall in love with!

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter will be published by Angry Robot – visit here for further info.

Instructions for a Heatwave by Maggie O’Farrell

It’s July 1976. In London, it hasn’t rained for months, gardens are filled with aphids, water comes from a standpipe, and Robert Riordan tells his wife Gretta that he’s going round the corner to buy a newspaper. He doesn’t come back. The search for Robert brings Gretta’s children – two estranged sisters and a brother on the brink of divorce – back home, each with different ideas as to where their father might have gone. None of them suspects that their mother might have an explanation that even now she cannot share.

I have to start this post by saying that I’m a huge fan of Maggie O’Farrell, and have loved every book. The problem with this is that I’m always worried that the next book will disappoint. However, from the onset, Maggie proves once again what a great story teller she is. She managed to make me feel as if I already knew the characters, whilst at the same time allowing me an insight into the more intimate aspects of their lives.

Whilst you would expect the main emphasis to be on Robert and Gretta, it was the children who fascinated me the most. Michael Francis is watching his marriage fall apart, whilst Monica is finding how difficult it can be to connect with a partner’s children. Aoife, the youngest, was my absolute favourite, living her life away from her family, but still unable to confront her own problems.

As they are brought back together when their father disappears, they once again have to fit together as a family, something which doesn’t come easy, especially between the two sisters. The story flits back and forth between now and the past, but it flows beautifully, and not once was I lost.

I don’t want to talk too much at this point about the characters and the stories, as they are best uncovered as you read the book. I will say that this is a story about family, about secrets, and about facing up to the past – and it’s all wrapped up by some exquisite story telling. For existing fans of Maggie O’Farrell, you need to put this straight on pre-order. If you are yet to try her books, you also need to put it straight on pre-order!

Visit the Headline site for more information about Maggie O’Farrell’s books.

Pantomime by Laura Lam

Pantomime is published by Strange Chemistry, a YA imprint, but I would definitely class it as ‘cross-over’, as there’s plenty for all ages.

In fact, this is a book which is generally hard to place within a genre, although I would imagine the sci fi element may become more prominent in subsequent books. It’s set in a world which is not our own, but very similar. It has a Victorian feel to it, but also gives the impression of being set in a future somewhere. The main setting is a travelling circus, complete with trapeze artists, clowns, and a freak show.

Most importantly this book is about the characters. Iphigenia – or Gene, as she prefers, is the daughter of a noble family, who’s much happier being a tomboy. She also has a secret which threatens to ruin her future. Micah is a runaway who joins the circus as a way to escape. Both are going through a journey, trying to understand just who they are, and find acceptance.

The surrounding characters are also fascinating and well written, with secrets of their own. These people all find their way into your mind and heart, and stay with you long after the book is finished. I’ve read some excellent YA books this year, but this one may just be my favourite. It’s hard to believe that it’s a debut book – I savoured every moment, and am impatient for the next book, to discover what else is awaiting in this rich world. Add it to your wish list!

Interview with the Vampire: Claudia’s Story – Anne Rice / Ashley Marie Witter

Claudia’s Story is a retelling of Interview with the Vampire, from the viewpoint of Claudia, and presented in a gorgeous graphic novel.

For those not familiar with the books, Claudia is just a child when turned into a vampire. She’s looked after by Lestat and Louis, two very different vampires. As she grows in mind, but not in body, she comes to love one and hate the other, whilst questioning her life, her kind, and her future.

I would imagine that most people interested in this book will be existing fans of the series, but I came to it with a different perspective, as someone with no real knowledge.

The artwork in the book is wonderful. It has a general sepia tone to it, but with splashes of colour when blood and fire are involved, which stand out in a stunning way. There is great detail within the drawings, along with the manga feel, a great combination.

I’m fairly new to graphic novels, and I’m always concerned whether they can portray a story in enough detail, but this one has me converted. Although this is Claudia’s story, I also felt Lestat and Louis were richly portrayed.

Not only does the horror come across well, thanks to the rich graphics and use of colour, but there’s a sensuality to it as well.

This really should appeal to many people. For existing readers of the series, it offers a new viewpoint, and for those curious about it, it’s a great introduction. Readers of graphic novels should find plenty to love, and those unsure about the format may just find themselves converted.

Stunning, rich in detail, horrific and sensual.

Published by Headline, 22nd Nov 2012