Sharing the Sin Eater's Daughter Love: Q&A with Melinda Salisbury

You're not the only one wondering how Melinda Salisbury is my Valentine this year. In fact, I feel like I should be baking a batch of heart-shaped biscuits in the kitchen or re-writing lines of prose in a homemade card at the moment. Instead, I'm hosting the blog tour for Mel's debut, The Sin Eater's Daughter (better than cramming a box of chocolates on my own!) which was released last week. Even before publication, comparisons were made between Salisbury's new series and the likes of Throne of Glass and Shadow and Bone, and it's not disappointed! After meeting Mel at the Scholastic Bloggers' Brunch a few weeks ago, having just sent the questions, I loved that her personality shone through in the answers I received!

 

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Q) What was it that made you want to write Fantasy novels in particular?

A) They're my favourite kinds of stories, so it was a natural fit for me. I'm an escapist reader - books, to me, are a passport to another place, and I want to visit places unlike anything I've ever known. Plus, a lot of my other interests fit into that fantasy box - I love medieval history, and magic, and fairytales, all things that also mesh well with fantasy worlds. I think I'd struggle to write a contemporary novel, because I'm not a very grounded person.

Q) What was the writing process like for The Sin Eater's Daughter? Did you have a certain writing spot or snack that helped you through?

A) It was strange, because I wasn't writing it really with the intention of getting it published. Whilst I was writing it I actually had another story on submission with agents, and I started writing The Sin Eater's Daughter a chapter or two a day, just to keep myself occupied. I was sending it to my friend Liv every time I finished a chapter, and she kept asking what happened next, so I'd write another. It was only really at the end I realised I had a book, and it was way better than the one I was submitting. Luckily, the woman who became my agent agreed. I like to drink tea while I'm writing. I switch to coffee when I'm editing. I also have a thing about Cadbury Twirls. No idea why.

Q) Despite being set in a fictional world, are there any aspects of your debut that were inspired by your own experiences?

A) Yes  - many. Twylla's struggles with the life she has have been mine, in the past. I've been in that place where you're going through the motions of doing what you're told you should do, ticking boxes and not really living. Obviously, our actual experiences are very different, but her sleepwalking through her life, shying away from confronting the problems with it have been my struggles too. I suspect there are a lot of people living the lives they think they ought to, instead of the ones they want to. I had everything you're supposed to want and it wasn't enough and it made me hate myself, just as she does. And like her, I was shaken out of it.

I also travel a lot, and that's really influenced the novel. The mirror maze in the book is based on a real one I visited in Prague, the food and geography and climate is stolen from places I've visited. The world of The Sin Eater's Daughter was basically mined from my life, and honed, and made into a thing entirely of its own.

Q) For The Sin Eater's Daughter, you had to imagine the entire Kingdom of Lorene. If you could explore another alternate Fantasy world for a day, which would it be?

A) The wizarding world of Harry Potter. Hands down. I'd want to go to The Three Broomsticks and The Leaky Cauldron and eat Pumpkin Pasties and bow to Hippogriff and see it if bowed back. I'd like to be flummoxed by a moving staircase at Hogwarts, and watch a Quidditch match. But I wouldn't leave at the end of the day. I'd see if I could get a job as Hagrid's assistant, or a Muggle Liaison officer.

Doesn't this dress - worn at the recent
 Vanity Fair Oscar Party match The Sin Eater's
Daughter perfectly?

Q) Multiple Young Adult novels have received a movie adaptation recently. Who would you dream cast if a film of The Sin Eater's Daughter was going to be made?

A) I really don't know! Friends have asked me this, and it's really hard for me to cast people, because obviously in my head I can see exactly what all of the characters look like and they just look like themselves. I can think of some actors that resemble the images in my head, for example Aneurin Barnard in The White Queen was very close to my Merek, and Saoirse Ronan has the wistful sadness of Twylla in her looks, but I think it's something I'd rather leave to readers, or casting agents to decide on.

Q) Was there a playlist that you wrote your novel to? If not, what songs would be a part of it?

A) I don't write to music at all. I need silence when I'm writing, and it's not something I draw inspiration from. I get all of my outside input from travelling and nature. Having said that, I was listening to the radio in the kitchen one night on a break from editing and I heard Broken Crown by Mumford and Sons and thought, "Oh my God, that's the theme song of the book." The same thing happened when I was writing the second one, I heard London Grammar's Sights and it was the song. I'm so excited to see what song encapsulates book three.

Q) So far, what has been the highlight of your publication journey?

A) I know it might sound a little trite, but it's been all of the people I've met. The people I've worked with at Scholastic, my agent, other authors, bloggers, fans, booksellers. The YA scene in the UK is just so incredibly supportive and friendly and I've made so many friends along the way. Seeing a copy of the book for the first time was incredible but seeing my ne friends being just as excited, and proud, as I am is beyond amazing. That so many people are embracing my dream, and talking about it, is humbling and incredible.

As a thank you, I wish I could send some Red Velvet Valentine's Day cupcakes your way!

Have you picked up a copy of The Sin Eater's Daughter yet?
Anticipating the rest of the series?
 

Tell me in the comments!

Thank you to Rachel from Scholastic for asking me to host and Mel for answering my questions!

 

Sophie

x

Book Review: 'Half Bad' by Sally Green

I originally posted this review on The Guardian.

When I saw this in WHSmith, I knew I had to pick this up, placing it at the top of my TBR pile before reads that have been on my shelf for months.

'There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.'


You can't read, can't write, but you heal fast, even for a witch.

You get sick if you stay indoors after dark.

You hate White Witches but you love Annalise, who is one.

You've been kept in a cage since you were fourteen.

All you've got to do is escape and find Mercury, the Black Witch that eats boys.

And do that before your seventeenth birthday.

Easy.

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Sally Green's debut, the first in her Half Life trilogy, is promising; setting out possible plot lines for the sequel, Half Wild, with almost a year until its release. With a unique take on the world of witches - where no broomsticks or cauldrons are included - we experience Assessments, Giving Ceremonies and are introduced to the idea of a council for White Witches in England and Wales. Told using different narrative styles, switching from second person to first, Half Bad is an enjoyable and exciting novel that overcomes the stereotypes that we have come to accept surrounding the supernatural.

 

Beginning with mixed feelings on this novel, finding the narrative confusing, I contemplated returning to it later rather than continuing this debut. The opening pages are crammed with tension, hints about what could happen in the novel filling the pages, but this is soon lost, Green taking a few chapters to pick up this prose again. The author does execute the second person narrative with ease; a refreshing voice in YA fiction, and I can understand why she has been applauded for this in other raving-reviews. Although, the transitions from the different narrative styles could have been smoother, the plot a struggle to follow for the first part, the timeline becoming slightly blurred as new characters crept into the novel.

Our protagonist - Nathan - is a Half Code, half Black and half White witch. His father is the most powerful Black witch; his mother has committed suicide; his every move is watched by the Council. Half Bad documents his life, as he waits for his Father, and travels with him as he tries to discover what - and who - he is. The novel is, in truth, an in-depth study of his character, depicting his thoughts and feelings, showing the brutality he faces at the hands of Hunters. Nathan is a relatable character, falling in love and struggling to 'fit in' at school, and Green writes him with no restrictions. I loved the cast of characters in Half Bad: the combination of villains and heroes, the inclusion of a damsel-in-distress and a sidekick, along with a homosexual character. They were a distinct set, each described in such detail, the history of Nathan's character in particular thought through by the author.

Once the problems with the narrative were overcome, this soon became an action-packed novel, with some adventure aspects tainting the chapters. The slow and steady novel I became used to picked up its pace, with the suspense building as the ending approached;  particular subplots tied-up in preparation for the sequel, others left after a cliff hanger ending. As a huge fan of fantasy novels, this one was worth continuing!

A rocky-start but a worthwhile read all the same.

Recommend for: Ages 13+


4 Stars

Have you read 'Half Bad'?
What did you think?
If not, will you be picking it up?

Tell me in the comments!

Book Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

The 'Throne of Glass' series is a favourite of mine, with the detailed-writing and fantastic set of characters. Although, previously I'd only read one of the five prequels, and with a gorgeous cover, I was extremely excited when a book-shaped package arrived, and this was inside. While many people have been wondering what order they should read the series in, now that this collection has been released, I definitely agree that the mystery surrounding Celaena's past is important for the first two books.

 

'The twist of a knife,

The birth of a legend...'

 

The prequels to the 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas.

 

Celaena Sardothein owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins' Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.

 

Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But, behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever.

 

 

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'The Assassin's Blade' is a book fans of Sarah J. Maas will devour like Celaena Sardothien and a new read. In Adarlan Assassin's latest tale, the five 'Throne of Glass' novellas are woven effortlessly into one novel that is both courageous and captivating. Adarlan is a beautifully crafted world that Maas really takes advantage of in this novel, transporting us to Skull's Bay, through barren desserts in search for the Silent Assassin's and then to the Guild - Celaena's 'home'. While the setting of the first two novels is mainly the Glass Castle, along with the streets of Rifthold, this novel allows readers to explore the intricate world. I was completely engrossed as we met the likes of Rolfe(the Pirate Lord), Arobynn Hamel and Sam Cortland(more on him to come).

 

Maas allows us to see a more humane side of Celaena in these prequels, as she deals with guilt, deceivement and defeat; and also comes face-to-face with death. Despite being as cunning as ever, you see a softer side, the person that doesn't celebrate the blood on her hands, and even stops for a moment to ponder what happens 'next'. As she complains about her split ends, and is determined to keep all of her books, you warm to a character that initially seemed to have a hard, cold demeanour. There's a heart-wrenching romance too, the final-piece of this warped fairy-tale, with villains creeping from page-to-page, a damsel-in-distress(The Assassin and the Healer), and Sam, who is more than just a charming love-interest.

 

We hear mentions of Sam Cortland throughout 'Throne of Glass' and 'Crown of Midnight', but we get to see the dynamic between Celaena and him in this book. Like most other readers I've been intrigued since the first mention of Sam, and as if we are attached to strings like a puppet, Maas pulls us into their rivalry, their brother/sister relationship that is more than likely to end in a mortuary. Sam is a character with so many layers; the person that creates a sense of hope that the reader believes for a too-short moment. This is not a romance that is thrown in just like the next YA novel you will come across, but instead it's built-up, creating tension and excitement. It's executed brilliantly! I loved it!

 

With a knife-sharp plot, Maas adds in gripping-action and excitement to complete this fantastic novel. Once again, the author will shatter your heart into fragments of glass, but not before creating twists-and-turns in the book that will leave you jaw-dropped. A new reader, or a fan from the beginning, you need to pick this up! I don't doubt for a moment that we will be seeing some of the characters(especially Arobynn) again - and hopefully Ansel and Yrene.

 

Favourite novella: The Assassin and the Desert

Favourite new character: I don't think I could choose between Ansel and Sam!

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

 

 

Rating:

 

4.5 Stars!

 

Have you read 'The Assassin's Blade' yet?

If so, do you think the characters in this novel will be making an appearance in future books?

 

Book Review: 'A Breath of Frost' by Alyxandra Harvey

For Emma and her cousins, life in Regency London is a whirlwind of lavish balls and dashing suitors. But, unlike other girls, they are not longing for marriage. A spell has been broken, a debutante lies dead at Emma's feet, frost clinging to her lifeless body, and a bright light is being cast into the cousins shadowy past. Now the girls must embrace the true Lovegrove Legacy - even if that means risking their own lives. Although, Cormac Fairfax, a member of the Order of the Iron Nail wants to help Emma, and she can't explain why.

 

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'A Breath of Frost' was a gorgeously-gothic and gripping novel, set in Regency London, filled with witchery, warlocks, spells and secrets . Admittedly, I was hesitant when I initially picked up this book. Not only had it come in the post without me realising I was receiving Alyxandra Harvey's latest, but it is nearly five-hundred pages long, and has quite a small-font. Reading the blurb, it sounded intriguing, although I was expecting to find yet another fantasy novel that focuses mainly on the romance, rather than the mythical-creatures and magic. I was proved wrong, despite a slow-start in the first few chapters. I adored this read, that combined multiple genres: fantasy, historical and romance, and still managed to have humour and wit. As a fan of Sarah J. Maas' 'Throne of Glass', this was perfect to curl-up to with the wintry-weather outside, and people who love the style of Cassandra Clare need to pick this up!

Historical-fans, just like myself, are going to be championing this new trilogy. Regency London is intricately described: a world full of balls, seasons and finishing school. Add some magic to that, it's an extremely-detailed tale, where you soon realise things are not safe. Harvey's writing is so stylish, I was envious of her pen and prose, the way she had the ability to create a set of mythical creatures, familiars, and make all of her main-characters feel real. Emma Day, and her cousins Penelope and Gretchen have a heart-warming friendship, and it's refreshing to see such a bond between literary-characters. They have clear personalities and traits, this is not a book where you have to flick back a few pages to find out who's perspective you are reading from or who's talking, it's clear from their personalities. You will never have as much fun reading about these girls; whether that's when Gretchen is arguing with her mother, or Penelope is reciting Shakespeare.

Emma Day should be applauded for her determination as she's not one to phase easily. Even when she realises she has antlers on her head! She's got a feisty-personality that really helps to drive this plot, along with the fact she is extremely strong-willed. Penelope and Gretchen's friendship with Emma made possibly my favourite fictional-friendship - Gretchen's rebellious side makes her easily loveable, in a way where she is completely out-of-place at the balls that come with being a debutante. She hides in libraries - so, I must ask, can I character be anymore relatable? Penelope is sophisticated, smart and a person that connects with the reader. Cormac Fairfax, our love-interest, surprisingly has many-layers, a backstory you want to know, and reasons for his choices. Harvey doesn't just create the typical boy that all young girls will want to read about. Sometimes though, he does coincidentally turn-up, rather than Emma sorting through a problem.

 

From suspicions raised by the Order, to discovering what Emma's mother did, and finding Greymalkin warlocks, this is not a book you can read at night! What it is though is an enjoyable and exciting blend of genres. The familiars, the spells, the family-history - there are answers to most of your questions. There are gargoyles lurking everywhere, Madcaps on rooftops, spells being broken.

 

Of course, I'll say I didn't turn the first page and love it. It was quite slow to begin with, and hard to slip-into, and the writing was repetitive with some of the sentences and phrases. It is not too long but, more action in places would have improved the parts where I felt that my mind was drifting elsewhere.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing me with this review-copy. This in no way affected my opinion on the book.

Four Stars to the Cousins.

 

 

 

Book Review: Fearsome Dreamer by Laure Eve

 

There is a world where gods you’ve never heard of have wound themselves into hearts, and choice has led its history down a different path.

This is a world where France made a small, downtrodden island called England part of its vast and bloated empire.

There are people here who can cross a thousand miles with their minds. There are rarer people still who can move between continents in the blink of an eye.

These people are dangerous.

And wanted. Desperately wanted.

Apprentice hedgewitch Vela Rue knows that she is destined for more. She knows being whisked off from a dull country life to a city full of mystery and intrigue is meant to be. She knows she has something her government wants, a talent so rare and precious and new that they will do anything to train her in it.

But she doesn’t know that she is being lied to. She doesn’t know that the man teaching her about her talent is becoming obsessed by her, and considered by some to be the most dangerous man alive ...

Synopsis from Goodreads

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Fearsome Dreamer was one of the best Fantasy/Dystopia novels I have read this year! It has a hugely ambitious, and imaginative concept, with interesting characters and excitement. The world-itself was something that, despite sounding complicated in the initial few pages, I soon immersed myself in. Through the eyes of our three main protagonists, World and Angle Tar, were opened-up, and I thought this was a brilliant debut! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book to loose themselves in this Winter!

 

In simple terms, I wanted to spend all-day just sitting and reading this book. The writing was beautifully-descriptive and moved-the-plot along effortlessly. Eve wrote from three narratives, those of: Vela Rue, White and Frith, all with completely different voices and personalities. Vela Rue has had strange dreams all her life - and had a fiery personality, that could even be a little hot-headed. I loved reading from Rue's perspective - even in those moments she was insecure, and in those where she knew she had something special. White - when I said 'interesting characters' it doesn't come close to describing him. His personality changes with what he experiences - sometimes he comes across cold and blunt - other times you get to see him lost and struggling. He had so many layers - and complicated would be an understatement when describing him.  There was also a man called Frith - he was intriguing, to say the least. You  know there is something-else, something about him that is hidden, and the characters know this too. Yet, he is who they confide in. Eve certainly knows how to keep us turning-the-pages!

The world-building was detailed and descriptive; endlessly making us ask more questions and want to know more. Everything Rue and White know, it's not the truth. There is more to what Eve has created than what meets the eye. When I first picked up this book, I was expecting it to be good, but it beat my expectations. Plot-wise, it's gripping! You are constantly finding out more and never really know where it will go next. There are sub-plots too - all of which you are able to follow, with no confusion. The only reason this is not a five-star is because I felt there were some moments when the tension fell, but only for a few pages.

 

There is one part of this novel I thought was so wise on Laure's behalf; the concept of Life. People in World jack into Life - which basically means they were living in a fictional, made-up place, that was so much better than reality. Inside Life, the streets that are grey and with hardly-any-life in reality, are  colourful and bright. The reason I connected with his book so much, is because, I could how Life could be our future. Underneath the Talent that Rue and White possess, underneath the secrets and shocks, underneath all of that, was a World not-so-far from our own. A future that could easily be ours. Every aspect of 'Feasome Dreamer' was so well-thought-out and all of the detail, worked. I've read books where it can be too much to comprehend, but for Eve, it all comes-together.

I, for one, have always been interested in dreams but, this novel takes that interest to a level where I'm already waiting for the sequel!

 

Pick up this book - or your missing out!

 

 

Mini Reviews: Amber & Resist(Breathe #2)

'Resist' by Sarah Crossan

Everyone knows that life beyond The Pod is possible. But they are trapped - each breth controlled by the Ministry.

 

The Grove was rebels' chance of freedom. Now the Ministry has destroyed it and survivors must search for hope elsewhere. Alina lead the way to the only remaining Resistance base, Sequia. There she uncovers a radical plot that could wipe out the Pod...and all those in it.

 

Together with Quinn, Alina must escape Sequoia and save the people they love.

  

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I've been anticipating Resist for a long time, especially since Breathe has a high-ranking place on my favourite books list. Sadly, though, I found myself disappointed when I started to read this book.

 

I'll begin by mentioning the cover; the green completely reflects the environment and what the Resistance is fighting for. Sadly though, the main focus - and heart - of the series was lost in this sequel, with the writing feeling forced at times. The romance, between Bea and Quinn, involved too many cliché lines for me personally, and I felt I lost my connection with them because of this. I really wanted to love this book, by sadly my expectations fell short.

 

Resist is once again told from multiple narratives, this time adding a new character called Ronan into the mix. I adore this style of telling a novel, even so, I wish the main characters could have come-together more often and made choices regarding The Pod and Resistance. Crossan is able to, something that makes her a really talented writer, create four distinguishable characters with very different experiences despite living in the same world. Alina, Quinn and Bea, our three main protagonists that have followed us through from the first book have all grown, despite still being the people we first met at the beginning of Breathe. Alina is strong-willed, fighting for her right to Breathe and is undeniable loyal, something that is admirable in this heroine while Bea is intelligent, witty and has the strength to continue despite her parents' deaths. Despite not being the number one fan of the plot, no-matter what I was rooting for these characters. Quinn and Ronan have complicated story-lines in which their characters cross-paths which I would have definitely have liked to see become more in-depth.

 

Whilst I struggled to immerse myself in this book during the first three parts, the final two were much stronger. Finally, I found heart-racing and fast-paced action, in which I found the style of Crossan's writing that I loved from the first-novel seeping through. There was a lot of tension built up in these closing one hundred pages, and I couldn't put the book down. Resist left me constantly wondering and waiting, I never did know for sure what would happen next! There were some loose-ends when it all came to an end; I can't help but question what happened to my favourite side-characters!

Resist was much more mature than the initial book, something I wasn't expecting and found myself feeling slightly uncomfortable reading. So, as for the sequel, I do recommend it for slightly older readers, leaning towards 13+.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for proving me with this copy in exchange for a review!

'Amber' by Julie Sykes 

How do you live by the rules if you don’t know what they are?

A teenage girl wakes up with no memory of who she is or where she has come from. The only clues to her identity are a dead mobile phone in her pocket and a beautiful amber necklace around her neck.

 

Suddenly, 'Amber' has a brand-new life, a brand-new name and a whole lot of questions. Disturbed by strange visions and powers, she struggles to understand the rules that everyone seems to know. How can Amber make sense of the person she seems to be? Does she even want to be that person anymore?

And by falling in love with her new friend, Dan is she breaking the one

rule that really matters?

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From the gorgeous cover(Which I must admit is one of my favourites) to a captivating plot, Amber is a gem-stone of a novel! It has a perfect mix of genres: fantasy, contemporary and romance, with some time-travel thrown in, all coming together to make this un-putdownable. I will admit, while reading, there was a point where I thought I had over one-hundred pages left, but really there were only forty! I didn't leave this book long before picking it back up and continuing!

 

Our main protagonist, a teenage girl who names herself Amber because of the necklace she finds around her neck after she wakes up with no recollection of who she is. Amber is plagued by strange visions and powers that feel so naturally yet, it comes to a point where she realises she must hide them. The way Sykes has written this allows us to get snippets, and small pieces of information handed to us, like she is constantly teasing the reader. This only made me become more intrigued; while also creating a balance of Amber finding a new-life, making new friends, and discovering herself. In many ways, being thrown into a situation you feel out-of-place in is something many young people can relate to. Although, Amber must do this, and find herself when she has no-idea who she is or what she might have done in the past.

 

The writing is the book allowed time for each new setting to be given a detailed description, as well as match the voice of a teenage girl. It was completely creative, bringing new inventive ideas into a genre I have read many times, as well as throwing in a love-interest and 'villains' to make this plot even better. Amber was completely packed with suspense and surprises, the excitement is there throughout. I spent most of the weekend I read it in with my head buried in this book!

This book has everything that I was expecting and more; an intriguing plot, a rule-breaking romance and hidden secrets bringing in the suspense. Definitely one that anyone will find an enjoyable read!

 

Thank you to Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf for my amazing new rating system!

Thank you to Curious Fox for another review-copy as part of Team Fox!

 

Book Review: City of Bones(The Mortal Instruments #1)

Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn towards a group of sexy demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City - and the dangers of forbidden love.

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The Mortal Instruments was a vividly imagined, beautifully written novel that brought half-demons, vampires and warlocks into one tale. Not forgetting Clary's best friend Simon!As much as I wanted this to be one of my favourite novels, a twist-ending that became confusing and a few parts of the novel where the pace dropped let it down.

 

I loved the world Clare has created in this novel: so imaginative, well thought-out and mesmerising. It was a world full of irresistible half-angel, half-humans, eccentric Warlocks that like to throw parties and where Downworlders walk the streets just out of human gaze. It's was also a place of secrets, suspicion and surprises that will leave you jaw-dropped. It throws at you twists and turns in the plot that sometimes I loved, and other times I had to re-read and struggled to understand. I couldn't help feeling frustrated when this happened but when this plot was at it's best, I found myself slipping away to Brooklyn and the corridors of the Institute.

 

The characters in this novel were certainly interesting, all having their own traits, style and personality. They were all intriguing, all fiery, feisty or in Jace's case arrogant and left me wanting to know more about their past. I couldn't help wanting to be a part of the sleek and stylish group of Shadowhunters and play a part in their lives.  From the handsome, muscled and confident Jace who answers every question with another question to the un-doubtable geeky who I adored, there's certainly a variety packed into the one novel. The Mortal Instruments also had me laughing constantly with the relationship between the main-men, Simon and Jace and their hatred for one another. Having the thrown in humour was such a great aspect of this novel - and to me, added some more enjoyment in a world that can be quite hard to grasp.

 

Plot-wise, this was really well plotted and thought-out. Extremely well thought-out. To know where you're taking such a huge plot with so many ideas and to keep readers understanding it is a really hard task. You add some kick-butt action to that, some fiery drama and a romance plot-line and you've nailed it. I loved how every element was in this novel and that you didn't know what to expect. Cassandra Clare, you fooled me: when I thought I could trust someone, I couldn't. And I applaud you for that! This is a type of trick I would love to play on my own readers one day.

 

I've already said I had a few problems with some twists, that definitely surprised me, but annoyed me at the same type. As I've mentioned before, it's a hard plot to grasp at times and when I finally had it in my hand - I lost it! I couldn't help feel frustrated - and somewhat suspicious.  I have got my suspicions this is to use the chance of a cliff-hanger style ending. But, I feel like I don't understand the plot as well now. Other pet-peeves that made this book one I didn't love, because I really wanted to, was the fact that Clary didn't seem to react to this world she's thrown into. She seems to just accept it. Accept the fact that creatures beyond our reasoning exist. And then trust them enough to live with them, fight beside them, without much of an initial thought. I would have liked to have seen her work through her thoughts and emotions, and try to understand it. Maybe making it more realistic at times but I will definitely be continuing with this series.

For ages 13+ and fans of Urban Fantasy.

Lately, I've been really busy with homework, writing competitions and then there was a problem with my home WIFI. I'm quite behind on reviews at the moment so, this is why I will also be posting my review of 'The Elites' by Natasha Ngan tomorrow even though it will only be a day after this one.

Did you enjoy City of Bones? Are you yet to begin this series? Did it live up to the 'hype'?
 

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

The monster showed up after midnight.

As they do.

But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming...

 

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

 

It wants the truth.

 

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Patrick Ness is a master story-teller. After reading and loving the first two book in the Chaos Walking trilogy, when I saw A Monster Calls on the shelf at my local library, I instantly picked it up. This novel was the final idea from Siobhan Dowd who sadly passed away after a premature death of Cancer. I only sat down to read the first few pages but less than a day later, I was sitting in my room speechless, tears pouring down my face. This was one of those rare times that I felt numb: where I just sat there for a while to contemplate what I had just read. A Monster Calls is a quick read(215 pages) but one that leaves an impact long after you've put it down.

 

 

A Monster Calls captured me from the very first page and held my attention until I turned that final one. To describe the book in three words I would use beautiful and compelling yet tragic. It tackles difficult subjects in a way that is so clever and effective, dealing with grief, loss and finally letting go at the end of a fight. I was, to sum it up, completely spell-bound by this novel.

 

Conor is such a strong character, and one who forces himself to bury down his own emotions to help his Mother, who is going through another lot of treatment for Cancer. But, Ness didn't write about him so Conor could be heroic, he wrote about him so his actions could reflect what it would be like to have a relative with an illness. Conor forced himself to believe that his Mum would get through, and was scared about admitting the truth of how he felt. He was angry, frustrated, worried. And one of the best characters to read about. For me, he was much more believable than if he was taking it in his stride and showing no emotion.

 

 The Monster who visits Conor was a fantastic element in this story and, you're never told what the truth the Monster is searching for is. He needs Conor to tell him, and this sets out for a powerful scene between the pair. The Monster was to me, a type of metaphor, a type of symbol. At first you find it frightening - what is this Monster and what does it want? But, as the meaning for his part in the book becomes clear you can understand why he came walking. He was responsible for so many plot twists, so smart on Ness' part. I loved them!

 

The thing that surprised me the most about this novel was how versatile Patrick Ness is as an author. Taking an idea from another author who sadly could not write the tale themselves is a hard task - you want to be able to tell the tale they set out to, but put your own style to it. Ness takes this idea and makes a book that everyone needs to read. Young or old, this novel is all too-real of the type of experience you have when a member of your family is effected by Cancer.  

 

This isn't one to be labelled as just an YA novel, this is a story. And this is the way they should be told. Beautiful, moving and un-putdownable. It's also filled with sinister illustrations that I loved turning the page to look at. Though, some of the lines I felt were a bit cliché at times.
4.5 Stars.

Book Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Crowned by Evil.

Bound By Duty.

Divided by Love.

 

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan's deadliest weapon. She must win her freedom through his enemies' blood - but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, put those she loves at risk.

Torn between her two protectors - a captain and a prince - and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of the kingdom...

The stunning sequel to Throne of Glass.

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Crown of Midnight was an action-packed, fast-paced and expertly-plotted sequel that will leave readers gasping for breath one moment and with tears pouring down their face the next. It not only will leave you wanting more, it will make you want to be a part of the vivid world Maas has created. I loved book one, and had no idea how Maas would be able to improve for the sequel, but her writing blew me away. As for Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan's Assassin and now the King's Champion, you got to have a more in-depth understanding of her character. From hunting down traitors of the Adarlan's throne for the King, to her love for chocolate cake, Celaena just grows throughout this novel. Yes, she's still arrogant and flirtatious, still walks with undeniable swagger in her steps but you also see her fall in love and deliberate how people feel towards her.

 

While Celaena yields Damaris, the sacred sword that belonged to the first King of Adarlan, as her weapon, Maas' is clearly words. When I opened the first page of Crown of Midnight, I became completely engrossed into the world she had created once again. So in-grossed in fact, I hardly put this book down until I had finished reading it. The plotting was just incredible as well as the understanding of the world and it's history. There's an effortless quality of being able to trick the reader, in a way where a plot twist is thrown at you when you're least expecting it. Just like Celaena's victims, as a fair share of blood is spilled during the novel, you never see it coming. The writing is elegant, beautiful and descriptive - I can't believe I'm saying this is even stronger than that in Throne of Glass.

 

Plot-wise, as Celaena can't bare to kill for the crown, she is putting those who she loves at risk. As Celaena continues to fake deaths, knowing the King could find out at any moment, she leans that there is something even deadlier taking place in the Castle. Once again, it is left to Celaena to discover what it is and try to solve it, which allows the tension to build as she learns more.

 

As for the characters, there was this perfect contrast of good-and-bad, the heroes and the villains. Celaena does clearly favour one man in particular during this novel, and the romance for me was breath-taking. Chaol and Dorian's friendship was something I learnt a lot more about, as well as where their loyalties lie.  Nehemia: the kind-hearted Ellylle Princess and Celaena's closet friend, was continuing to fight for the slaves in Calaculla while someone plots against her. There's also a talking door-knob and a witch with iron teeth - what more could you want from a sequel?

 

The only comment I could make in a negative way would be the fact, with so much going on, at the end I became confused. I did in a way feel like I had missed something but, when you tie it all together, the next book is going to be ground-breaking! Words can't describe how much I loved this - you should read it for yourself to find out. Immediately!

4.5 Stars

Fans of Throne of Glass will be gripped to this read, and will love getting to

know more about the characters they fell in love with in book one.

For the record - I'm shocked I got through this review without using Caps lock!

Book Review: 'The Bone Season' by Samantha Shannon

The year is 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people's minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing.

It is raining the day her life changes for ever. Attacked, kidnapped and drugged, Paige is transported to Oxford - a city kept secret for two hundred years, controlled by a powerful otherworldly race. Paige is assigned to Warden, a Rephaite creature with dark honey skin and heavy-lidded yellow eyes. He is her master. Her trainer. Her natural enemy. But, f Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die.

 

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There is no doubt that the imagination in this book is incredible. It's detailed, descriptive and highly-ambitious - but it all works. For the most part of the book, I was in awe of the world-building and how it was all woven together. Although, at the beginning it did feel like it was all being thrown at me which made it hard to initially get into.

 

There is a huge amount happening in this book - along with quite a wide(and definitely varied) cast of characters and clairvoyants. Paige commits treason just by breathing: working in the London Syndicate under another clairvoyant, Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for other dreamscapes as a rare type of clairvoyant. Paige was a strong, feisty and fiery female-heroine I was rooting for throughout the whole book and couldn't get enough of reading about. She is definitely one of my top fictional heroines - with a realistic love for coffee despite being clairvoyant. I think in many ways this one idea makes her much more relatable mixed in with her loyalty to the Seven Seals(the seven rare clairvoyants under Jaxon Hall) and the guilt she does feel when she does something wrong. 

 

When Paige reaches Sheol 1, it is discovered that she will be part of Bone Season XX and instead of her name, is now branded as: XX-59-40. A Bone Season is a time where more clairvoyants are brought into the city of Oxford - some after being held in the Tower for up to ten years. Paige is a rare type of Clairvoyant and unlike the others she is chosen as Warden's only-human. At first, Warden resembles an intimidating school-teacher on the first day. He is strict, un-moving and shows no sign of emotion. Although, I definitely grew to love Warden. As we got deeper into the novel and his past was revealed, Shannon keeps you guessing about his motives and actions. He was so complicated but I wanted to learn more about him.

 

Along with Warden there came his relationship with Nashira, which I found so exciting. It's hard to write this review without giving away too much of the plot: how Paige's relationship with Jaxon works, and her relationship with another voyant called Nick. There are also humans living amongst them - used as slaves to the Rephaim. There is mix of fantasy and dystopia in this novel and creatures like the Rephaim and the Emim are used to build up that element. I loved how far Shannon's imagination could take us: not only building a world that works but creating creatures to threaten it.

 

One of my favourite parts of this novel are types of 'flashbacks': through these you get to know more about Paige's history and the world she grew up in. The way voyants are hidden away and feared, along with how she dealt with other girls at her school.

 

When I got into this book there was a lot of action and the tension was built up throughout. I enjoyed it, and the world but I felt this book was too long. There were some thrown-in side-plots that I feel weren't necessary and didn't make much of an impact so, I wished they would have been cut so I could move back to the relationship between Paige and Warden. Their relationship was so intriguing - I couldn't help but love the way it worked(or came to).

 

Rating - 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this novel but the size was slightly intimidating. The imagination was fantastic though so, this is a book you should definitely give a try.

Review: 'The Arrivals' by Melissa Marr

Chloe knew she shouldn't have gone into the bar last night.. Now, in addition to a pounding headache and weak limbs, she's got the guilt of five years sobriety down the drain. When she wakes, she's not in the world she knows. She's in The Wasteland, a world populated by monsters and unfamiliar landscapes, in the company of people just like her, pulled to the Wasteland out of time and place:  for reasons no one knows or understands. Once there, though, their mission is clear: keep the peace, protect eachother and try not to die, because sometimes, after six days of death, you might not wake up.

 

But things are changing the Wasteland. And for Kitty and Jack, a brother and sister from the Wild West; Edgar, a prohibition bootlegger; Francis, a one-time hippie; Melody, a mentally unbalanced 1950s housewife; and Hector, a former carnival artist, the careful balance they've been keeping for years is about to be upset. All of them, and Chloe, are about to get the answer they've been looking for years: why have they been brought to the Wasteland? And will it be possible for them to get back home?

 

When I saw I could get this book for review, I jumped at the chance. I have been meaning to read something by Melissa Marr for a while and the premise sounds fantastic. The idea of a Wasteland populated by monsters, a variety of interesting and quirky characters making up The Arrivals and the suspense of why they are there, got me to immediately pick up this book when it arrived. To begin, I was instantly drawn in to this world. Melissa Marr has such a talent for building worlds full of detail, action and brand-new concepts. Getting to know the Wasteland is like navigating a maze: you will get there. In the end. In many ways, it resembles the wild-west but with a punch. This theme brought a western vibe to the book: along with the main protagonists Jack and Kitty being from this time.

 

There are a lot of characters in this novel, a huge cast of them to be in fact but, I felt some of them weren't as well-explored as the others. Brother and sister, Jack and Kitty along with another trustee Edgar were the most in-depth for me. I loved the fact Kitty was feisty and stood up for feminism in so many ways. Her attitude was outgoing yet, she took on a role of wanting to everything she can to protect those around her. As for Jack, he was loveable in many ways and very driven. These arrivals have all killed, but his determination made me like him. It was the way, despite being in the Wasteland for twenty-six years with his sister, he still felt he has to protect her. Edgar was your usual romantic - and quite edgy. The new girl on the scene, Chloe, was given a back-story which, compared to the other Arrivals, made me sympathetic. She was explored, understood and I got to know the reasons for her choices. Her character was definitely the strongest along with Kitty's. I would have loved to have seen more of Francis and Melody - who, just in the background, intrigued me. I felt the only thing I knew about them was from the blurb.

 

I did really like the creatures of the Wasteland and the way it was described. The whole aspect of the Wild-West town was captivating and easy to picture: while the creatures had a fantasy element to them. I loved the bloedzuigers and Garuda - whom I could never decide to trust. His personality was so unique - he reminded me of a 'Master' of sorts.

 

This is an adult book, and I soon found that out. There was a lot of swearing, some which was un-needed and that there were some certain 'scenes' that I had to skip until it was over. The aspect of the romance sometimes over-shadowed the fantastic world-building and the arrivals and, at by the end of the book, I'm still not completely sure of why they were even in The Wasteland. In many ways, I do believe this book would be best suited to older readers. Some of the language could have been easily replaced - but then, would you expect people from the Wild West to speak like we do now? I also would have wanted to see a bit more excitement at the end, where I found myself not getting a descriptive ending. 

 

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah. J Maas

A heart of ice. A will of steel. Meet the Assassin.

Meet Celaena Sardothien. Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for Greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind but she made a fatal mistake, she got caught.The Crown Prince of Adarlan offers Celeana her freedom, in return for her representing the Prince in a tournament-fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lost, she's about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassins heart be melted?

Wow. What else can I say? Throne of Glass brought to life a brand-new world I loved. When you turn the first page you are greeted with beautifully-described scenes and gorgeous writing. The descriptions and words sweep elegantly from page-to-page, like the female protagonist at the ball.

 At the beginning of this novel, I never expected for Celaena to become one of my favourite females in YA Novels. She seemed arrogant, and although she kept that, her love for music and reading shocked me. What I loved about her was her attitude. Seamlessly strong but witty, powerful but an avid reader and feisty but kind. An assassin but an eighteen year-old girl.

The world-building in this novel is just breath-taking. Erilea is completely understood and so-well imagined you feel you are there. The insight to this world was detailed and the way it was brought to life so easy to imagine. Celaena's dress descriptions were luscious ! I'm still in awe at this world and it's deadly secrets.

Throne of Glass combined fantasy and dystopian with aspects of fairy-tale sneaking in throughout the novel. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, as this truly exhilarating read reached it's climax. Chapters would leave you gasping for breath, or questioning characters motives. It changes everything and you seem to be lost in the world, where you would think magic was gone for good. There was also romance intertwined with the rest of the novel. I was waiting in anticipation to see what would happen.

The games themselves, were not as I was expecting and cannot be compared to The Hunger Games. This book certainly stands-alone, as Celaena, or Lady Lillian, fights for her freedom in a series of Tests leading up to a deadly Duel. It makes you wonder how far the King will go to see blood-spilled on his Glass floor?

What I will say, is some scenes had gory detail that even I found off-putting. I feel this is not a read for anyone younger than 13-14 years-old, as well as there being some bad language.

From the feisty female protagonist to the descriptions you will be in awe of, Throne of Glass is one of the best Fantasy reads you will come across.  It will capture you from the very first sentence and will keep your attention until the very end. With a fast-paced, heart-jarring plot, you'll be shocked you waited this long to pick it up. Words can't describe. A brand new series I'm excited to continue.

*****

Thank you to Bloomsbury for this review copy.

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Review: Hidden by Marianne Curley

Three hearts, two words, one secret.

When he took Ebony from me, I knew I would spend my life searching for her. Now I have found her, he will do everything in his power to keep us apart.

Ebony has led a very sheltered life. Confined to her home in a secluded valley, home-schooled until a year ago and limited to a small circle of close friends. It's as if she's being hidden. But there's one thing that stands out about Ebony: the fact she has violet eyes. She isn't ready when disturbing things start happening to her and something begins to change inside her. On one fateful night, Ebony meets Jordan. It's as if something explodes inside of her and she feels the pain in his eyes. Now her location is no longer a secret, who will find her first?

Wow. Put down this book and try and find the right words to describe it. I challenge you. It was captivating, exciting and gripping-a book worthy of acclaim. From the start, the opening lines are introducing you to Ebony, the main character in this story and who has been 'sheltered' throughout her sixteen years. Ebony is very down to earth, relatable and stubborn but also somebody who is compassionate. I felt I could relate to Ebony in some ways-but she stood out for her violet eyes. ''Hidden' is told from two points of view, as well as from Ebony's perspective, there is Jordan. Jordan has spent his life going home-to-home after his mother died. Jordan is such a determined character, you want to be able to step inside his world. His decisions change everything, and in most cases it's between life and death.

This novel was mainly fantasy but it really combined a bit of everything to create a captivating world. It grabs your attention from the very first sentence and doesn't let your eyes dart from the page until the final sentence has long since been read. The world-building in this novel is perfectly plotted, with intricate detail that gave you a vivid image in your head. The descriptions made the world's in this book realistic and imaginable and the writing was beautiful.

The build up in this novel is packed with suspense as you want to find out 'what' Ebony really is and why she is being hidden away. Every turn of the page allows you to discover something new but what I loved was the connections that were made from Jordan and Ebony's perspective.  Jordan, I found was slightly ahead of Ebony in finding out things you could see would link to her and it built an exciting storyline as we discovered how Ebony would discover these things.

The idea's and imagination was incredible, it was so fully brought alive and created something new. There were parts of this book that pitted 'good' and 'evil' against eachother while other's brought in a gorgeous and un-predictable romance. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as we went from dreams to daylight and as secrets were discovered. There were demons, angels, princes and mythical creatures that filled the pages that were joined by a cast of characters you will get to know and realise, you don't understand at all. They were interesting, intense and everything you would want. It was a magical, mesmerising read that will lead you to an action-packed finale. Even with all these mysterious characters, there was the reality of a best-friend, a mother and father, and an enemy.

Although I did feel a bit of a Twilight type aspect sneaking in there, it was definitely controlled and made unique. A read I can't fault. For fans of fantasy and romance, and anything else. Just pick up this book and be brought into this new world - *****

Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing me this book in return for an honest review

You can now find me waiting desperately for a sequel.

Beautiful Creatures REVIEW

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl(Adaptation to be released on the 14th Feb 2013)

 

 Is falling in love the beginning...

or the end?'

 

'Sixteen moons, sixteen years

Sound of thunder in your ears

Sixteen miles before she nears

Sixteen seeks what sixteen fears'

 

Ethan Wate lives in a small town, Gatlin, in South Carolina. It's a type of town where everyone knows everything about you.With a map up on his wall, that he marks when he reads about a place he wants to visit: a town that Ethan is waiting to leave. But, then Lena Duchannes moves to town. Someone who Ethan instantly knows is the girl from strange dreams he has been having, in each she slips from his fingers and wakes dripping wet and covered in mud. Niece of the town shut-in Old Man Ravenwood everybody has their opinion: a spiral notebook, a number on her hand, a haunting song heard, a window shattered in class. One day in the rain will change everything. Lena is a Caster, not a mortal, and on her sixteenth birthday her powers will be Claimed for either the Light or the Dark. A curse put on her family means that she has no choice. The Claiming will decide her fate for ever. Once Claimed there is no going back. Dark, Light.  Ethan has fallen for Lena, something that will only put him in danger, but somehow he can protect her. Although, suddenly he's realising how much a small town can actually hide. Ethan never saw it coming.

 

Beautiful Creatures was an exhilarating super-natural read, that captures you from the first page. It was suspenseful, heart-racing and powerful - in a Southern world. This book captivated me into Ethan Wate's life and what I loved about this book was that it was told from a male's perspective. You got to follow Ethan's thoughts and feelings as he discovered the secrets and this girl-Lena Duchannes who has no choice on her fate. I loved Lena's character, who finds herself just wanting to have a choice. She was so fully brought to life: her charm necklace, her spiral notebook, green eyes, black hair all the details were there. I was willing her on.

 

 Full of mystery and dark secrets, it packed all different genres and points into one book: romance, supernatural, fantasy and fiction creating a fantastic read. Beautiful Creatures is perfectly crafted, creating a world that so effortlessly captures the reader. Full of beautifully written visions that kept you on your edge of your seat, a mysterious past was told. I couldn't put this book down! An unforgettable page-turner, with mysterious and dark secrets to uncover in fast-paced plot twists. This novel also combined historical elements and really brought Gatlin to life. It taught me about the Civil War: something that Gatlin is really built on and brings to life Lena and Ethan's history. Beautiful Creatures had so many interesting, unique and gothic characters, both Light and Dark. There were shocking twists and turns in every plot that are un-predictable, with emotional parts of the plot. A mesmerising novel that will keep you up late thinking about it.

 

Beautiful Creatures was a fantastic super-natural read, that was captivating, heart-racing and powerful. Packed with excitement, suspence, love and love. There are not enough words to describe such a perfectly created world and page-turning novel. A mesmerising book that is a must-read for anyone 12+.

*****

 

Some of my favourite quotes from this book:

 

"she made me realize how much I was just like the rest of them, even I wanted to pretend I wasn't"

"Funny thing was, the more she ran, the more determined I was to follow"

"The toe's of our ratty black sneakers touched"

"The monuments of wit survive the monuments of power"
"Question everything. Learn something. Answer nothing."

"If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame them for revealing them to the trees"

"Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead"

Author Interview with Marissa Meyer!

Recently, I was able to interview the fantastic Marissa Meyer author of Cinder: the first book in The Lunar Chronicles. Set in Dystopia Berlin in a retelling of Cinderella, Cinder is enchanting and unique. In this interview Marissa discuses her inspirations for The Lunar Chronicles along with giving her own advice to aspiring writers and how it felt to become a New York Times bestseller!

When did you first begin to write?

I started writing stories when I was a little kid - even before I knew the alphabet I used to tell stories to my mom so she could type them up for me, and when I was in elementary school I was constantly writing short poems and plays that my cousin and I would later act out for our parents. But I started writing seriously when I was a teenager and was first introduced to fanfiction, which I wrote for close to ten years. When I was 16 or so I started trying to write novels.

Was there a certain time when you realised that you knew you wanted to become an author?

There's not a specific moment. It feels like I always wanted to be an author, since I first realized that it was a real occupation. I get to work in my PJs and daydream and make up stories for a living! It's what I've always wanted to do.

Who or what inspired you to write? Do they still inspire you now?

My biggest influences were those that swept me and my imagination away when I was growing up. The Hobbit made me dream of sorcerery and epic quests, The Little House on the Prairie made me dream of "simpler" times (that weren't really so simple), Saior Moon made me dream about being a superhero. And I'm still inspired by any stories that re-confirm my belief in true love and happily ever afters.

Was anything or anyone in Cinder based on events or people in your life?

Not really. My husband is great with cars, so I was able to use his knowledge for some of Cinder's mechanic skills, but that's about it. Everything else just emerged out of my imagination.

Cinder was released earlier this year, can you tell us a bit about what it is about?

The first in a four-book series, Cinder is a futuristic retelling of Cinderella, in which Cinder is a sixteen-year-old girl who is part human and part machine, or a cyborg. She lives in a society in which cyborgs are considered second-class citizens, though, which creates some problems when she begins to fall in love with the handsome prince who is, himself, attempting to avoid a marriage alliance with a cruel and powerful queen.

It's now becoming a series called the Lunar Chronicles, was this always planned? If not, what made you change your mind?

Oh yes, I've known since before I wrote the first page of Cinder that it would be a four-book series. I had all four books sketched out and outlined really early on, so I know just where the books and Cinder's story is heading. Each book continues Cinder's story, while also introducing new fairy-tale inspired characters: Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. It's been a lot of fun to write all the different characters.

What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The concept began with a short story that I wrote years ago. It was called "Luna v. 4.2" and was a science-fiction retelling of the fairy tale "Puss in Boots," but with talking robotic cats and a kingdom on the moon that was on the verge of war with Earth. It was so much fun that I decided to try and turn it into a series of futuristic fairy tales. Although the Puss in Boots storyline eventually got cut out, a lot of those original inspirations hung on.

Congratulations on becoming a New York Times Bestseller, how does it feel when you see the success  and love for Cinder?

It feels... surreal. I guess I felt like it would start feeling normal after awhile and I could just be like, "Oh yeah, that's my big, I'm kind of a big deal." But it's not to that point yet. I still feel like I'm in a dream.

Could you give any advice for aspiring authors?

The advice that everyone gives is still the best advice out there: Write a lot and Read a lot. Those are the only things you can do to make yourself a better writer. I also like to tell aspiring writers to enjoy the process and never forget that you're doing this because you love it. Writing begins as a passion, otherwise why would we do it?

A huge thank you to Marissa Meyer for answering my questions! It's a honour to have had the chance to interview you.