The delightful and witty young heroine Gemma Doyle returns in this charming companion to A Great and Terrible Beauty; Rebel Angels.

companion to A Great and Terrible Beauty;

Cartik has been summoned by the Rakshana with a terrible task; to coerce Gemma to bind the magic of the strange and mystical Realms to their brotherhood, and then dispose of Gemma herself. Despite the budding romance between Cartik and Gemma, he agrees.

After Gemma smashed the sacred Runes in the Realms, she has set free the incredible power the Realms have, and it now roams loose, wreaking havoc, and awakening new and formidable enemies.

Gemma must somehow defeat Circe herself, who has returned to attempt to finally take control of the Realms. All this, she must do, while somehow managing at the strict Spence Academy For Young Ladies, the watchful eye of a suspicious and scrutinizing new teacher, her catty friends, Ann, and Felicity, the return of a dear friend, who seems malevolently changed, and a handsome, thrilling new beau, who seems to outshine even the darkly handsome and moody Cartik.

The second half of Gemma’s story is no less a marvelous book than the first, and the two are inseparable. If you’ve read A Great And Terrible Beauty, pick up Rebel Angels soon.

Thank you for reading,
-Anni-

Filed under: Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Sequel, Teen Fiction

<img I’ve read this book twice, and was equally spellbound by the story the second time.

When Gemma Doyle witnesses the murder of a mysterious stranger, and her mother’s suicide, in a vision that becomes reality, she is tumbled and thrown from her life in India with her family, into a stiflingly practical, and down-to-earth boarding school in England.

There, she shares a room with a mouse of a girl named Ann Bradshaw; a plump scholarship student, whom is also an orphan, troubled and secretively self-destructive. The two establish a sort of friendship, while Gemma tries to puzzle out the mysteries surrounding her mother’s horrible death. A strange organization called the Rakshana, have also sent a spy to watch over her. A boy named Cartik, brother of the man Gemma’s mother died with. He hides with a group of nearby Gypsies, and warns her to stop having these visions that come against her will.

…visions that come against her will.

While coping with strange visions of death and horror, a friend who has no self-respect, and a strange young man spying and leaving warnings on her pillow, she is also pestered without mercy by the top girls, Felicity, Pippa, and their entourage of horrid followers. After a prank, and a slip-up, Gemma is accepted into their group, bringing Ann along after her. The four of them together discover the diary of Mary Dowd, a girl belonging to a group of women called The Order, who once controlled the Realms; a place of power and beauty that was once used by sorceresses and mages to practice their magic.

…a strange young man spying and leaving warnings on her pillow

With limited information, Gemma discovers how to open the door into the Realms, bringing her friends along with her. But malevolent forces have stirred. They learn of Circe, and her assassin, the murderer of Carthik’s brother, and what made her mother kill herself, rather than be taken over by Circe’s assassin and be damned to wander the Realms as a lost soul.

damned to wander the Realms as a lost soul.

It’s a twisting and turning plot, a page turner that never stops being thoroughly entertaining. It sticks in your head, and makes you wish for sprites, ill-mannered fairies, and handsome gypsies. A Gothic fantasy that won’t be forgotten. Libba Bray has outdone herself, her writing is superb, and her imagination incomparable.

Note On The Author

Libba Bray is the author of five and a half plays, a few short stories and essays. She was raised in Texas, she worked in a few different places before becoming involved in the literary community. Libba Bray now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son. Lets hope she continues to stun us with her gift to American literature.

Thank you for reading.

-Anni-

Filed under: Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Teen Fiction

Before I start in on reviewing this book, I’d like to note the editors and editors of illustrations. I’ve never reviewed for Reader’s Digest, and I don’t want to earn the contempt of people who deserve notice.

Reader’s Digest Project Staff:
Project Editor: Susan Randol
Senior Designer: Carol Nehring
Editorial Manager: Christine R. Guido
Reader’s Digest Illustrated Reference Books:
Editor-in-Chief: Christopher Cavanaugh
Art Director: Joan Mazzeo
Director, Trade Publishing: Christopher T. Reggio
Senior Design Editor, Trade: Elizabeth L. Tunnicliffe

Encourage your students/children/selves to read classics at all times, and never neglect the mind.

The book itself is a good collaboration of many well known authors of spooky stories, that emerged in the early twentieth, mid to late nineteenth century. It’s best suited for instructional reading. Something directed by a parent or teacher, to familiarize pre-teens with classical writers, and their works. If a child could be persuaded into picking it out on their own, more the reward. It gives a short biography, with interesting facts on each author off to the side of the page, in the midst of the story, not afterwards, where a young reader would be inclined to skip over anything educational. It also gives a short vocabulary lesson at the end of each chapter, in this same fashion, explaining unfamiliar terms, words, and phrases. I even learned a few new words. It’s a good look at condensed classics for anyone, but I reccommend it for children ages nine to sixteen. The stories are condensed, and edited for content, but that should not stop a parent, teacher or reader from reading the authors complete works. Encourage your students/children/selves to read classics at all times, and never neglect the mind.The retold stories/condensed novels contained are as follows:

Wolverden Tower,
by Grant Allen

The Real And The Counterfeit,
by Mrs. Alfred Baldwin

The Middle Toe Of The Right Foot,
by Ambrose Pierce

The Portrait Painter,
by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol,
by Charles Dickens

The Signalman,
by Charles Dickens

The Ghost Chamber,
by Charles Dickens

The Old Nurse’s Story,
by Elizabeth Gaskell

The Shadow,
by E. Nesbit

The Violet Car,
by E. Nesbit

The Dead Sexton
by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Madam Crowl’s Ghost,
by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

The Pit And The Pendulum,
by Edgar Allan Poe

The Open Door,
by Charlotte Riddell

Frankenstein,
by Mary Shelley

The Body-Snatcher,
by Rober Louis Stevenson

Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde,
by Robert Louis Stevenson

Dracula,
by Bram Stoker

Dracula’s Guest,
by Bram Stoker

The Canterville Ghost,
by Oscar Wilde

The Phantom Of The Opera,
by Gaston Leroux

Thank you for reading!
-Anni-

Filed under: Children's, Classical, Compilation, Educational, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Teen Fiction

I feel as though I’ve been neglectful in my captions of late, for truthfully I finished reading this book some time ago, but was unsure of how soon I should post a review on it. It has impressed me even more with its style, and honesty.

The story is about Green, who is left on her own after her sister, the light and excitement of her life, Aurora; her mother, who was her teacher, and her father, perish in the city during a bombing. Slowly, Green becomes Ash, changing in the atmosphere that her surroundings have become. Green/Ash represses her feelings, and covers herself in black vines and roses, while at the same time, she comes out more and more in the company of Onion, her sister’s dog. And then Ghost, a solitary greyhound found in the woods. A hawk, two birds, a neighbour… And a boy she calls Diamond.

The following passage moved me greatly, is taken directly from the book:

“I gave him the other half of my heart. I worked until my fingers were numb, until our loss mirrored each other’s. I used the ice needle, the one that caused the greatest pain.

I watched to see if Diamond flinched, but he never once did. I etched half a rose, half a wing, half a thorn, half a leaf. When I was done, Diamond took off his black hood so I could see what the fire had done to him. Then I understood why pain meant nothing to him anymore. I could see why half was enough for him. One side of his face was perfect, my Diamond. The other half was charred and discolored. I kissed both sides. They were one and the same to me.”

Healing, and release are the main themes of this story. After coloring herself in black ink, making black thorns, and roses, and vines; one can hardly imagine that one day, black ink fades back to green.

Filed under: Drama, Romance, Teen Fiction

The story is short, simple, sweet, but still profound in a uncomplicated way. I would recommend it for young adults, and adults, as light reading.

It starts in Oak Grove, a small town where there seems to be a law against rain; as though Nature is prohibited from ever flooding the town again, as it did fifteen years previously. The main characters, Eel, aka Eli, Trout aka Trevor, and their best friend Martha, grew up there. After the flood the creek was dammed, and the pools drained, watering the lawns even cut down to a minimum. The two boys were nicknamed as such because of their strange habits, and the thin webbing of skin between their fingers and toes. Martha is trying to escape memories of her past, and a grief-stricken father, after the death of his wife and her mother; while helping her two best friends meet their hearts’ desire.

Together the group of friends learn to cope, compromise, and to be responsible for caring for themselves and each other.

Note On The Author:

Alice Hoffman was actually the author of Practical Magic; now a major motion picture, along with over a dozen other best-selling novels, published and sold in more than twenty different languages.

Read it!

-Anni-

Powered by Qumana

Filed under: Children's, Drama, Fiction, Mystery, Teen Fiction

I started out on this book and found myself unable to put it down. It captured me in the stunning use of language, creativity and imagination; the author was also included fascinating and seldom used historical details; such as Oliver Cromwell’s having outlawed Christmas during his “reign” over England. The book, although fantasy-fiction, was in fact very subtly educational.

The main character was, of course, as the title proclaims, Coriander, whose story takes place in the time of Commonwealth in London. After sharing many happy years with her family, her life up heaves violently with the death of her mother; (Eleanor) a woman whose past is as shadowy as the waters of the Thames on which the story takes place. Her father takes a Puritan wife, to keep back the suspicion of witchcraft instilled in the neighbours by the strange, and mystical events occurring around the mother and daughter before Eleanor’s death. Shortly after her father (Thomas); a supporter of King Charles II, marries the Puritan woman, (Maud) and takes on her meek, frightened daughter, (Hester) he is arrested for aiding in the king’s escape to France. Before he is captured, he must abandon his Coriander to Maud, and Arise Fell, who claims to be a holy man, as did Rasputin, and the two are quite a bit a like. Thomas leaves Coriander in the clutches of these two people, with only Hester for support. Gradually, Coriander loses everything; her mother’s maid (Danes), and her closest companion is cast from the house after trying to protect Coriander.

The story has twists, and turns, that will keep you buried in this treasure of a novel for hours. It resembles Cinderella, and Snow White, in certain aspects, and at the same time is something completely new, and original. This fairy tale will charm any age, and leave you wanting more.

In the spirit of being fair, as brilliant as the story and the writing was, the ending felt a bit pushed, or strained. The conclusion the the novel came at me full on at the end, and seemed to have no supporting details. I think the author might have spared the ending of the novel a bit more time, to construct something more plausible.

Note On The Author

I usually don’t do this, but I think I might start. The amazing odds at which this woman actually wrote this book are in fact, noteworthy. Sally Gardner grew up in London, where she still lives today. Having dyslexia, she did learn to read or write until she was fourteen years old. She was thrown out of several schools, and labeled as unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. In spite of this, she earned a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, also a scholarship to a theater school, and became a successful theatrical costume designer, and worked on some notable productions. After her birth of twin daughters, she began to illustrate, then author children’s books, usually with fairy tale themes. I, Coriander is her first book for older readers. Sally Gardner is called “an idiosyncratic genius” by the London’s Sunday Times.

It was an honor to write of such a stunning author, and someone who has, in spite of everything, persevered to such heights.

Thank you for reading.

-Anni-

Powered by Qumana

Filed under: Drama, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Teen Fiction

I started this book with some prejudice, because of the title, and the promised content on the front flap; however, I’ve never let a summary keep me from reading something that struck my eye. What put me off was that it was written by someone who was a psychotherapist by profession, and the topic it was written on.

The main character is Jessica, a fourteen year old girl trying to find someone to love her, basically. Her sexuality is coming in full swing, and she’s grappling with problems in her family life; her divorced parents, forming a relationship with the woman (Dana) that her father had an affair with, and is now exclusively dating, coping with her mother’s grief, and her (Anne) sister’s need to console her mother. One afternoon walking, she meets Ted, a young man who she avoids disclosing her actually age to; he believes she is eighteen. This is her quick-fix for feeling loved, though she’s also being used by another boy at school recurrently. As her social situations dissolve, her best friend loses trust, her world gradually spirals downward. Finally, with the help of Dana, a late menstrual cycle, and a never-again-friend, who is now the “school slut”, Jessica finally begins to get herself back on track.

I was pleased, overall, with the book of course. It’s honest, gritty, and practical. The horror, and helplessness of using sexual promiscuity to attempt to heal wounds at such a young age is clearly presented in the words of the author. With photography as a medium for self-discovery, Jessica finally conquers herself.

The only thing I find myself cynical about after having finished this book, is the ending. Not all girls are lucky enough to pull back, and instead follow lives that lead into misery and denial. I think, generally, that the ending was too quick of a conclusion. A completely happy ending is not reality, but then perhaps the author was offering hope as well as honesty.

Thank you for reading.

-Anni-

Filed under: Drama, Fiction, Life Lesson, Teen Fiction

I’ve finished another book from my list, and I think after this point, I must definitely read more of Terry Pratchett’s work.

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, was a masterpiece of fiction, and a joy to read. There is no point in the story where stagnation rears its ugly head; every page contains some minor (if not major) reason to smile, if not laugh yourself into a coma.

The storyline is the basic outline for Armageddon. The main characters are God, of course, although He’s fairly quiet throughout the novel and says very little, unless you count (another character) The Metatron, the Voice of God, who is really more like a personal assistant, or a senate committee. There are Aziraphale, the angel with a pension for books, who in fact owns a small bookstore, though… never really sells anything so much as collects, and is in fact the only angel who can dance. Well, sort of. Also, A.J. Crowley, (formerly Crawly) retired Serpent, and mass-scale (pun? where??) mischief maker. Quoted as, “An Angel who did not so much Fall as Saunter Vaguely Downwards.” Satan, another Him we hear very little from, unless of course you count Beelzebub, yet another Al Gore, and spokesperson for Hell. Hastur and Ligur, two Dukes of Hell, and as demons go, are particularly nasty. Our Motorcyclists of the Apocalypse are Death; who is not so much an evil, as a fact of life. (He’s personally my favorite; not for the stereotype, but for his diplomacy.) War; a woman worth fighting over, around, and for. Famine; creator of diet products and fast-food (we’ll call it food) chains world-wide. And last but not least, a sweet-natured boy called Pollution, whom can become bleary eyed with wonder at the site of an oil slick, and stands with open arms beneath showers of acid rain. Human characters are a lively bunch, of course, beginning with Agnes Nutter, possibly the very first nutter, whom was also a completely accurate prophetess, and is also completely, accurately, deceased. The man who met mutual demise with her, Thou-Shalt-Not-Commit-Adultery Pulsifer, and his descendant, Newton Pulsifer, a Private Witchfinder, and wages clerk. Anathema Device, the professional descendant of Agnes Nutter, and occultist, although, that is only her hobby, she’s really a witch. Shadwell, the Witchfinder Sergeant, also a very grouchy old man, abrasive, racist, and sexist. But for some reason, you can’t help but like him. Madame Tracy, the “Painted Jezebel” neighbouring Shadwell, a psychic medium with no paranormal ability, and an advertised disciplinarian for gentlemen who require such. Sister Mary Loquacious, a vacuous Satanic Nun who discovers herself in later chapters as someone nearly capable of productivity…. even if it is nonsense. Mr. Young, the father. Mr. Tyler, a very… interestingly-busy-busybody-and avid-letter-writer-to-the-local-newspaper type of man. And a delivery man whom is very dedicated to his job. The Them, a distinguished group of eleven-year olds, with more sense than any average group of adults, are Adam, the Antichrist, and also a very good boy, who cares for his dog, who is also a Satanical hellhound. Pepper is the only girl in the group, and makes up for it with her ability to fight like a maddened raccoon. Wensleydale, the most logical and well-studied of the group, if not a bit too old for himself. And Brian, who thinks a daily bath is very unhealthy, and might be able to cultivate a garden on his person.

And also a “Full Chorus of Tibetans, Aliens, Americans, Atlanteans, and other rare and strange Creatures of the Last Days.”

The story is all brought around the book written by Agnes Nutter which prophesied that Armageddon would be this Saturday. In the evening, possibly after dinner, depending on how late you eat, of course. The Antichrist is the center and bringing it all about, so it’s up to Crowley and Aziraphale to stop him. Also, in favor of the end are Death, War, Famine and Pollution. But Aziraphale and Crowley have Witchfinder army on their side, (all two of them.) A plethora of clashing forces come head to head in the end; and the climax is unforgettable.

Thanks for reading.

-Anni-

Filed under: Adult Fiction, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

Like most books by the rock star of fiction, Neil Gaiman, the story outline is almost impossible to examine and dissect, however, I shall do my best to try. It’s actually a movie, and now I must search for said movie, but anyhow: It’s about a girl who grew up in a circus, wants to escape to Real Life, says something mean to her mother, draws the world, gets lost in the world, meets a Valentine, destroys the world, escapes one Queen, saves another Queen, saves the world, and most importantly, saves herself, answers a riddle, and loses her Valentine… for a while. He hates being a waiter. Read it!

-Anni-

Filed under: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy Fiction, Fiction, Gothic Fiction, Mystery, Teen Fiction