I spent longer than normal reading these books, mainly because it was
the busy season, but also because I didn’t want to just fly through
them, missing bits along the way. The webs were woven very well.

We’re introduced to a world where being in a family with special
abilities means you have a chance of being inducted into a ‘guild’. If
chosen, you’re disowned by your family and inducted into training with
whichever guild is harvesting in that year. Whether you are good at
telepathically communicating to animals or foreseeing the
future, there’s a guild for each chosen child.

Unluckily, or maybe not so unluckily, Aron Brailing is harvested by
the Stone Guild, the guild responsible for assassinations and mercy
killings alike.

In book 1, we follow Aron’s journey to the Triune, the stone guild
house, and his struggle with his abilities, which seem to be the
strongest of their kind in many a generation.

Aron’s early days in training to become a Stone brother take up most
of book 1. He’s building muscles and, perhaps, romance. He finds
friendship with some of the most unlikely characters and, as a whole,
the book lays a solid foundation for the treasures to come in A Prince
Among Killers.

We’re brought back into book 2 when Aron is making his first trip to
the Ruined Keep. It is a quest he and his Stone brother nemesis are
sent on to hopefully end the turmoil between the two, and forge an
unbreakable bond.

Aron embraces his ability and moves beyond his own expectations to
save lives, tip the balance of power between warring royals, and
become more than just a stone brother.

I do recommend reading these two beautifully written books in order,
as the foundations are extremely important to understanding each
character and the purpose behind decisions they make. I grew to really
enjoy the bond between Aron and his mentor, Stormbreaker.

I was a little disappointed with the lack of female characters, but at
least the few who star in the saga are extremely strong, and don’t
take their positions in society lightly. They have purpose and a
spine. The character growth is believable and intriguing, and you’ll
find yourself wanting to jump into the battles and kick some butt.

There was an added pleasant surprise when I got to the end of Book 1,
in the short author bios. You’ll have to read them for yourself. On so
many levels, these books were uplifting and inspiring.

Assassin’s Apprentice and A Prince Among Killers will be great for
adding pace to those lagging last weeks of the school holidays.

XBelindaX

Oathbreaker (Books I & II): Assassin’s Apprentice and A Prince Among Killers – SR Vaught & JB Redmond

Published by Random House, Australia

Assassin’s Apprentice: Januray 1, 2010 – 384 pages ISBN: 9781864719819

A Prince Among Killers: June 1, 2010 – 374 pages ISBN: 9781864719864

Bel Says

I invite you to come on a wild adventure with me and some of my newest friends; well, maybe they’re not personal friends, but they sure do feel like it after reading the steampunk-esque novel, Quillblade, by Ben Chander.

Lenis and his twin sister Missy have joined the crew of the Hiryu. They’re thrown into a life of intrigue and the whole crew is embroiled in a mission to save the world by finding and rescuing the last untainted Totem.

Ben Chandler has single-handedly rewritten what I think of as steampunk. His use of small mammals in place of coal, a mixture of East meets West for fashions, and an almost Middle Eastern flavour to the demons all contribute to sweeping you up in Ben’s unique worldbuilding.
If you even remotely enjoyed the movie Treasure Planet, this book will spark something inside of you that may have been dormant for a while. A sense of hope, a yearning for adventure, and a pure frustration that the next book in this six part series isn’t yet on the shelves.
I was enthralled by the gentle hints of spirituality. Between the tainted mind of the soul-stealing Lord Raiko, and the constant pursuit of ’the way’, I was left feeling intensely invested in the motley crew aboard the Hiryu.

If you decide to join me on this adventure, hold on tightly. With Lenis and his bestia, Aeris, powering the ship we’re in for a hair-raising ride.

All Aboard!

XBelindaX

“Quillblade” by Ben Chandler

September 1, 2010, by Random House Australia

Paperback, 432 Pages

ISBN: 9781864719789

I have just spend the last few days frolicking amongst werewolves, Celtic gods, and the Fae. I’ve been enthralled by the hunt, moved by loyalty, and touched by unconditional love. I have giggled and have had to read through unshed tears. I have cheered for the good guys and snarled at the bad ones. Seriously, what more could you ask for in a novel?

Sue Bursztynski found her inspiration to write Wolfborn from a collection of stories written by a lady known only as Marie de France. Her creative license has allowed her to take elements from Shakespearian plays, Celtic folklore and Roman authors to construct a world and characters with whom you will generate a deep emotional connection.

Etienne has been sent to Lucanne for the purposes of finishing up his training to become a knight. His arrival coincides with the beginnings of an epic tale of love, betrayal, and the importance of staying true to yourself.
When Dame Eglantine plots to remove her husband, Lord Geraint, from his position of power,  she unwittingly creates a maelstrom of disastrous events. It is up to Etienne, Armand, Jeanne, and Sylvie to bring Lord Geraint back to reality and, believe me when I say, this will be no easy task.

This is not your run-of-the-mill werewolf story, and I found the need for human scent on clothing to be able to change back to human form a little difficult to swallow at first. Surprisingly, it ended up fitting the story in a manner that didn’t rub me the wrong way.

I enjoyed the character growth with our three teenage heroes. Self-doubt and worry are pushed aside by loyalty and trust. They don’t spend too much time whining or wallowing in self pity, which is a pleasant change when it comes to book characters of their age bracket. The morals of the story are woven in a subtle, yet profound, way, creating an enjoyable and vivid tale.
You will find the book difficult to put down once you’ve made the choice to get swept up in the magic of it all.
Read Sue’s blog here.

Wolfborn – Sue Bursztynski

January 12th, 2010 by Random House

Paperback, 304 Pages.

ISBN: 9781864718256

The Shapeshifters is the complete collection of all five novels in the Kiesha’ra series and, at nearly 1000 pages, can seem a scary undertaking. But it’s well worth the effort. This is a saga of breaking old prejudices and the sacrifice two young rulers who have suffered war and loss make to bring peace and unity to their people (the Avians and the Serpiente). Although this is, at heart, a love story, there is also plenty of magic, lore, myth and legend, intermingled with hate, distrust and the long journey to break millenia-old stereotypes.

Though each of the novels centres on a different main character, and stands alone in its own right, they all flow together nicely as a series. For me, the only drawback was the use of the old language; although it was translated, I did find it confusing and, at times, distracting. All in all, though, The Shapeshifters is a wonderful, magical journey and is well worth the trip.

Book one, Hawksong, marks the beginning of our journey, with Danica and Zane trying to find a way to bring peace to their warring people and making a personal sacrifice to make peace a reality. The must shake off millennia-old prejudices and lead by example. But can it lead to love?

Book two, Snakecharm, has Zane picking up the storytelling, as he and Danica anxiously await the birth of their child; but, when the Falcon, Syfka, turns up, stirring up dormant feelings of distrust among the two kingdoms and searching for a runaway criminal, Danica and Zane desperately try to hold on to the newfound peace.

Book three, Falcondance, introduces us to Nicias, the son of royal soliders, and exiled Falcons Kel and Rei. Nicias finds himself being haunted by visions and dreams of The White City, his parent’s birthplace–a city of extreme beauty and extreme terror. He must also fight his feelings for Oliza, daughter of Zane and Danica, since this is a union that can never be.

Book four, Wolfcry, is the story of Oliza’s coming of age. As heir to both thrones, and being half Cobra, half Hawk, she is the first of her kind. Oliza must try to lead the people and keep them united, and the fragile peace in place; but is it possible to for one queen to lead both people, even if she is half of each?

In book five, Wyvernhail, we meet poor Hai, who is considered by most to be a mongrel. He is the daughter of a Falcon mother and the deceased former heir to the Cobra throne, Anjay (older brother to Zane). After her cousin Oliza abdicates the throne, Hai is tormented by terrible visions. Despite it all, she must help save her new home and face the possibility of being the new queen.

Amelia has two new novels to be released in 2011: Persistence of Memory and Token of Darkness.

The Shapeshifters – Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

January 12, 2010 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Paperback, 968 Pages

It’s hard enough being a girl when you love to play the male-dominated sport of soccer. It sucks being told you can no longer play on the same team as your mates. To be relegated to a girls only team, for which there are only a certain number of positions. To have to make the team or miss out for an entire season.

Lucy Zoffi is part of a world famous family. Dad plays for AC Milan, Mum’s a model, and together they run a fashion label called Love Lucy. This equals insane public outings, with the paparazzi following them everywhere. This kind of life seems normal to Lucy (though an annoying normal), right up until the media get hold of the information that Lucy has a half brother who has just signed with AC Milan. The stable life she’s always known is tipped on its end. How will Lucy keep her world from shattering apart?

Liz Deep-Jones knows her stuff when it comes to sport–she’s been a part of the media covering the FIFA World Cup, the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Australian Open Tennis, and is also an ambassador for Sydney Football Club. So, it should be no surprise when I tell you the action sequences had me bouncing in my seat. Capturing the heart-stopping adrenalin rush of being on the pitch is not an easy thing, and can sometimes fall flat when the author is imagining, rather than living, it. I’ll bet there’s a pair of shin pads in Liz’s handbag.

The paparazzi moments are extremely suffocating. It must be a scary thing, being the hottest thing since sliced bread. Being a young teen in that situation would be enough to explain the young Hollywood misfits. The reactions of some of the characters seem a little bland for the enormity of the complex situations Deep-Jones puts them through, however, and how Lucy’s dog GiGi gets out of Australia and into Milan so easily had me scratching my head. If you liked Bend it like Beckham, you’ll enjoy Lucy Zeezou’s Glamour Game. The fast pace and witty repartee makes this a great read for those mornings when the weather is too horrible for kicking the ball around.

Lucy Zeezou’s Glamour Game – Liz Deep-Jones

Author details for Liz Deep-Jones

1 June, 2010 by Random House

Paperback, 274 Pages

ISBN: 9781864719734