Julia

Bookseller: Julia
Title: A Natural History of Dragons

Comments:
This is not your conventional fantasy novel with high-flying adventure, magic, and epic battles. Marie Brennan has done a wonderful job writing a fictionalized memoir st in a Victorian-like period, by a young woman who has a love for dragons (which are real), and goes against convention to study them. The narrator is an old woman recalling her earlier adventures that led up to her as a respected natural historian. I found the novel refreshing. Brennan is not trying to make a completely likable heroine. The writing is convincing, sharp, whimsical, and beautiful. I would recommend this book for fantasy lovers, admirers of the Regency/Victorian era, or anyone who loves dragons, wants to believe they are real, or are interested in their study!

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles Book 2)

Comments:
So we continue with Cinder as a fugitive. Her stepmom is still mean, but she is Harmless when compared to the Lunar Queen (and her science experiments!). The prince seems a little confused. And... We have some added twists and turns in the story: Scarlet, AKA "Little Red Riding Hood," and Wolf - who is big, and bad, very very bad, and so is his pack!

The second book of The Lunar Chronicles does not disappoint!

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Last Laughs, Animal Epitaphs

Comments:
This book of poems is not for the faint of heart!

It is for those of us with a darker sense of humor. Each page gives you a laugh and some very nice illustrations to accmpany the prose.

I was reminded of the "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" series I read when I was younger.

Enjoy!

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Jepp, Who Defied the Stars

Comments:
I decided to read this book because it was described as "magical," having "vividly drawn characters" and "wonderful writing." I agree with it all!

Not only is the story about a young man's discovery of his place in society, but also his discovery of himself and the possibilities he has before him. He will uproot the mystery of his father and uncover his mother's secrets. He will discover what true love and friendship mean.

Will Jepp let the stars decide his fate, or will he make his own destiny?

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Seraphina

Comments:
Seraphina is a young woman caught up in a conspiracy to destroy the peace between her kingdom and the dragons that share it. While working to uncover the conspirators, Seraphina forms new friendships. She learns from her new friends and family that love can come in different forms and can be shown in different ways. This charming, original, and beautifully written tale has a bittersweet ending which leaves you full of hope and anticipation for the future.

Bookseller: Julia
Title: A Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom

Comments:
I always enjoy it when my favorite fairy tales are given a new twist. Like princes that are not so charming but rather clumsy. Or a princess who is rather more a bully than fair. This book is full of adventure and laughs. So sit back and enjoy while four princes charming and a few (fair) princesses try to save their kingdoms!

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Bitterblue

Comments:
If you have already enjoyed Fire and Graceling, you will not find Bitterblue disappointing. Bitterblue's search for the truth of her kingdom's history and its present reality. She discovers lie after lie, including some about her.

Bitterblue navigates her kingdom's secrets and must come to terms with who she is, the power she holds, and a new love she may not be able to keep. Enjoy this wonderfully written story with its constant twists and discoveries that keep you wanting more!!

Bookseller: Julia
Title: Cinder

Comments:
Although I do love fairy tales, this is not the same old Cinderella! Yes, she has an evil stepmother; yes, there is a ball; and yes, there is a prince.

But this version gives us a twist. An evil lunar queen, androids, cyborgs, and a plague. All turning Cinderella into an adventure I could not stop reading! And, Cinder is just the first adventure in the series.