YA Author Paula Weston, shares her thoughts on Angel stories in YA fiction

You only need to take a cursory glance online to know that young adult angel books tend to get a bad rap.

I should clarify: romance-based YA angel books tend to get a bad rap.

The issue, I think, is that readers who love urban fantasy/paranormal elements in their stories want more than just a hot guy with wings who falls for a human girl (similar to the way readers who love traditional vampire stories don’t want their blood suckers to sparkle).

There’s nothing wrong with the latter scenarios if that’s the reading experience you want (and plenty of readers do). But if you’re a paranormal/urban fantasy fan, you want world building, detailed mythology and action. And if all you pick up are the romance-heavy angel stories, you’re going to be less than satisfied. (Just like the romance seekers are annoyed when there’s too much world building and mythology in their angel stories).

Author Jeannie Holmes has a (broad) theory on how to separate the types, based on the perceived differences between ‘paranormal romance’ and ‘urban fantasy’, particularly when both have romantic elements:

“Urban fantasy focuses on an issue outside of a romantic relationship between two characters. Paranormal romance focuses on a romantic relationship between two characters and how outside forces affect that relationship.”

It’s possibly an over-simplification, but an interesting observation (and of course being one or the other is no determiner of quality).

The other issue for readers of angel stories (YA or adult) is the theology question. Generally, there are three ways to tackle theology in angel/demon stories: ignore it; give a nod and move on; or make it an essential part of the story. The first can sometimes mean a plot lacks substance; the second can seem like a cop-out; the third can feel heavy-handed. How this is managed comes down to the writer and the reading experience they want to deliver.

There are plenty of approaches to angels in the YA world. We have noble angels (Alexandra Adornetto’s Halo), agnostic angels (Susan Ee’s Angelfall) and fallen angels/nephilim (Lauren Kate’s Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush Hush ). And then there are the hybrid concepts: Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series and Laini Taylor’s stunningly original Daughter of Smoke and Bone (which, technically, is more fantasy than paranormal, and one of my favourite series in recent years).

I wanted to set my story against a backdrop that included a warrior society divided by a significant issue, with a common enemy and an uncertain future. When researching potential mythologies to work from, I found a story in the Book of Enoch (an apocryphal Jewish text) about fallen angels. It sparked a rush of ideas, and I suddenly found myself writing an angel series.

It wasn’t until Shadows was on the shelves that I realised how many angel stories were already out there – and how much angst there was towards them in some quarters (I’ll admit, some of the most rewarding responses I’ve had to the series have come from angel-weary readers who were pleasantly surprised the story exceeded their expectations).

At the end of the day, as readers we should judge books on all the usual aspects: plot, character, tension, action, etc, regardless of what genre or sub-genre they fall into.

And don’t forget: there’s always someone doing something interesting with a genre we think has been flogged to death (like Julie Kagawa’s Blood of Eden vampire/dystopian series or Maggie Stiefvater’s original take on werewolves in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series).

Shadows (Rephaim #1) is out now (Australia, New Zealand, UK) and coming to US/Canada on 10 September 2013)

Haze (Rephaim #2) is out now (Australia and New Zealand), coming soon to the UK (October 2013) and US/Canada (2014)

 www.paula-weston.com

Paula’s first book Shadows is one of our upcoming BOOK CLUB books.

Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards was on the top of my TBR pile. After completely falling head over heels for Black City, the first book, I just couldn’t wait to read the second instalment.

Black City was one of those books that made me wish I could jump in between the pages and become part of the story! The story itself was action packed, the cast of characters were interesting and partially “inhuman”, and the ending was mind blowing, leaving my brain as mush!

With all of these fantastic qualities, I couldn’t go one day without starting Phoenix. But just like any other amazing first segment, I was wary of middle book syndrome; a disease that occurs when the first instalment of a series is mind blowing, jaw-dropping, and nothing less than perfect, but sadly the second book doesn’t contain the same level of awesomeness, causing it to simply be a stepping stone to the next book.

Phoenix takes places almost exactly where Black City ends off. Natalie and her sister are now living with Day and her family. It’s Natalie’s birthday and Ash has the perfect gift for her; an engagement ring! Is that not the BEST way to start off a book??

But things aren’t going as well as planned when Ash is stopped and asked to step into a carriage, where he finds himself sitting across from Purian Rose. Purian Rose threatens him and Ash is unsure of what to do. Should he vote for the rebellion and risk losing Natalie? Or should he vote for Purian Rose, against all the people that have supported him, to save Natalie?

I usually like to go into a more detail summary, but Phoenix starts off real quickly and doesn’t take any time at all to throw the reader back into Ash and Natalie’s world and the adventure. I don’t want to give too much away, so I think my summary will have to end there! You’re going to have to read the book yourself to see what else happens, and who Ash decides to vote for!!

One of my favourite things about this story is the amazing set of characters. I loved each and every one of them in Black City, and couldn’t wait to see them change, shift and develop when the going got tough. I couldn’t get enough of Natalie and Ash together, and had high hopes to continue that in the second book. While I still enjoyed reading about each character individually, I loved the two of them together.

Unlike in the first book, there were one or two small things that did bother me this time around. Whether they were wearing thick winter coats or were stuck in the middle of a desert, Natalie still wanted to always cuddle and be close to Ash. If he wasn’t always holding her hand, or right by her side, she assumed that he was mad, or upset with her. Natalie was just a bit more … clingy in Phoenix than she was in Black City.

Phoenix had an explosive and unexpected ending!! After being kidnapped and dragged into an air-plane, Natalie is sacred and confused. But when she finally gets the chance to calm down, and see who pulled her into this aircraft, she can’t believe her eyes! Someone who I would have never expected came along and did the unthinkable!

Phoenix was everything I wanted and so much more, it was action-packed, filled with love, and an amazing group of characters. The beginning was enticing, the middle was heart-wrenching and the ending was unbelievable! Elizabeth Richards did it once again, and I can’t wait to see what she throws at her readers in the third book!

Belinda Hamilton talks acne and skin care

I have spent the last 20 years trying to get rid of the stupid acne on my stupid face. Though I am limited in what I can use to treat and maintain the issue due to allergies, I’ve been having marginal success lately.

Here are the only things I am conscious of actually changing.

~Note this is what has worked for me, it may not work for everyone.~

#1 I threw away all the cleansers and toners I had.

This was due to my allergy to salicylic acid. Since this acid is pretty much in every single product used to treat acne and it gives me a migraine every time without fail… Out it all went.

#2 I stopped drinking carbonated drinks.

Seriously, the moment I have a can or glass of soft drink, I can expect a break out within days. I switched it with water. (especially when having take away meals)

#3 I eat more fruit and veg.

I’ve been adding peas and corn to dishes I don’t normally have any veg in and have been adding more variety to the dishes that usually have standard veggies.

#4 I wash/ replace my make up applicators more regularly.

You would think this one is a no brainer, but seriously when was the last time you did this?  ~ Here’s a clip from Michelle Phan on brush cleaning (give away isn’t current)

#5 I TRY to stress less.

I know when I haven’t been managing my time properly… I stress.

#6 I switch out my pillowcase more often.

You spend at least 8 hours a night connected to the thing with your face. You do the maths.

#7 I look in the mirror less.

You tend to scrutinise your blemishes if you spend too much time glancing in the mirror, which makes number 8 harder to succeed at.

8 I try not to pop the zits, or touch my face in general.

Easier said than done on both counts. Be mindful and have some self control.

#9 I keep my hair out of my face.

I generally like to do this for work anyway, however it reduces the oils and products touching my face.

#10 I wash off my make up EVERY day.

For this I just use a clean wash cloth and warm water.  

If you’ve got some non medical tips on how to treat acne, feel free to let me know.

Bee is an orphan who lives with a carnival and sleeps in the back of a tractor trailer. Every day she endures taunts for the birthmark on her face—though her beloved Pauline, the only person who has ever cared for her, tells her it is a precious diamond. When Pauline is sent to work for another carnival, Bee is lost.

Then a scruffy dog shows up, as unwanted as she, and Bee realizes that she must find a home for them both. She runs off to a house with gingerbread trim that reminds her of frosting. There two mysterious women, Mrs. Swift and Mrs. Potter, take her in. They clothe her, though their clothes are strangely out of date. They feed her, though there is nothing in their house to eat. They help her go to school, though they won’t enter the building themselves. And, strangely, only Bee seems able to see them.

Whoever these women are, they matter. They matter to Bee. And they are helping Bee realize that she, too, matters to the world–if only she will let herself be a part of it.

This tender novel beautifully captures the pain of isolation, the healing power of community, and the strength of the human spirit.

Hardcover, 336 pages  Published February 12th 2013 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

When orphaned Bee is abandoned by her only guardian Pauline,she is stuck working the hot-dog stand with a travelling carnival. Because of Bee’s birthmark that covers a huge portion of her face, she has always been shy and bullied. It’s not long before her last and only friend also leaves the circus to take on a more steady job. When the owner suggests that Bee could be bringing in money for the carnival by becoming a part of the oddity exhibits because of her looks, Bee takes a stand and decides to leave and find herself a home of her own. With only a dog and a pig, Bee wanders off on foot looking for what she always imagined would be a perfect house.

Since she lost her parents Bee has always seen glimpses of a mysterious old woman. Until recently, she had never spoken to her and nobody but Bee could see the woman in the floppy hat. As Bee travels through a random town,  it seems that she is being guided by the woman. She is led to the house of her dreams and is soon introduced to Mrs Potter and Mrs Swift, who take her in. But when a nosy neighbour begins asking too many questions and Mrs Potter and Mrs Swift never seem to be around, Bee ends up having to grow up quickly, cooking and managing the house by herself. 

Beholding Bee is a very heart warming story and the companionship that Bee finds along the way is endearing. There are some similarities to the stories of Nanny McPhee, with a little less humour but a lot of heart. Bee eventually ends up attending school, making a great friend and building her life up to what she has always hoped it would be.

Set during the great depression, there is an emphasis on the history of women’s rights and a theme of learning how to take care of one-self and becoming a stronger person. As the saying goes “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

Joelene Pynnonen reviews Lara Croft – Tomb Raider 2013.

The origins of Lara Croft are finally revealed in the latest game in the franchise. Starting out on her first archaeological expedition, she and her team are trying to locate the lost island of Yamatai off the coast of Japan. A storm strikes the ship they are on, and Lara finds herself on an island, separated from her friends and surrounded by danger.

Storyline: The story here is simple but solid. Stuck on an unwelcoming island and forced to fend for herself, a young Lara Croft must find the means to survive.

The lack of strong female characters in gaming has been much lamented and greatly documented. As such, I went into the game with some scepticism that the female action hero would be handled well. It quickly became apparent that my doubts were misplaced. Tomb Raider has undergone a much needed transformation in the latest instalment. Lara has always been strong, resourceful, and independent, but previously she has lacked humanity. In Tomb Raider 2013, her character gains nuances that rely more on her personality than her appearance. Though the game is violent in nature, Croft’s first kill is handled with the respect and sensitivity it needs.

Although she is young, Lara has a strongly developed sense of duty, choosing to risk her life for others even against the advice of her friends. She’s stubborn and likable, giving gamers someone that they can identify with.

Gameplay: As always, Tomb Raider is a great adventure. The island of Yamatai is full of dangers that make for some pretty intense action scenes. Murderous cultists, wild animals, harsh weather, and evil spirits are all obstacles Lara must overcome to get away from the island safely. With predatory animals roaming the forests while enemies scout the buildings, there is more than enough danger to keep the game interesting.

The survival and exploration aspects, too, lend their own flavours to the game. Hunting and salvage earn Lara skills points while there are tombs to be explored and puzzles to be solved for weapons parts.

The settings are varied and often gorgeous. Lara goes from tumultuous oceans and panoramic mountaintops to dingy cave systems and spine-tingling tombs. Atmosphere resonates here, supported marvellously by the musical score.

Gameplay is smooth and the mix-up of survival, exploration, shooting and fighting keeps Tomb Raider fresh and exciting.

Qualms: Quite a few of the movie scenes would have been more entertaining as gameplay scenes. In the initial scene, for instance, there is a great deal of action but none of it is playable.

Overall: I’m partial to action-adventure stories, so Tomb Raider is right up my alley. Lara Croft is self-sufficient and likable, as are the supporting characters. While I think that the gameplay could have been taken further, this was an exhilarating adventure that is definitely worth playing again.

Publisher: Square Enix

Developer: Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, Nixxes Software (PC)

Release Date: March 1, 2013

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC