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Daughter of Chaos (Red Magic #1)
Daughter of Chaos (Red Magic #1)
Jen McConnel | 2014 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In Darlena's world, magic is divided into three different categories. To put it simply - white is good, black is bad, and green is balance. Normally a witch will choose a path on her 16th birthday. Darlena has passed this milestone without declaring which path she will follow. One evening Hecate shows up and puts Darlena on the spot - which path will she choose? Darlena follows her heart and her instincts and chooses a colour that she has never heard of before - Red. It must be a real path because the next day she is expelled from school with no explanation. Anyone who hears what colour she has chosen, reacts in a very different way to how Darlena was expecting.

I loved how Jen McConnel set this all up and how it was all executed. The writing and links are flawless, with plenty of surprises along the way. I thought having Aphrodite as a patron of Red magic was brilliant, and anyone who thinks that love isn't chaotic is seriously mistaken!

With lessons to be learnt, Darlena has some serious choices to make. Some of which she makes on the rebound, some of which she has time to think about. With friends and allies helping her along the way, as well as enemies trying to hinder her, her life is moving along at breakneck speed. Will she find the time to figure out what to do?

With a cast of amazing characters, from the noble yet slightly self-righteous Justin to the flawed and grasping Rochelle, you have a fast-paced story that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more about Darlena's story to see what happens next. Definitely recommended.

* Verified Purchase on Amazon *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 19, 2016
  
The Good Immigrant
The Good Immigrant
Nikesh Shukla | 2016 | Essays
10
9.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
An important read for modern Britain
Nikesh Shukla has done a phenomenal job in compiling various essays to highlight the voices of marginalised Britain.

From bloggers to actors such as Riz Ahmed, the writings show the experiences of growing up with dual cultures and how society continues to be colour blind instead of embracing these differences.

In Ahmed's story for example, he describes going to America because he was constantly typecasted in the UK film industry. As he headed to play a role in the new Star Wars movie, he was detained at the airport for the umpteenth time to be questioned. It shows no matter how much he strived, the prejudices remain.

And that's just one anecdote of many voices. It is riveting and engaging, finally giving the opportunity to hear about second generation, children of immigrants in Britain.