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ClareR (5879 KP) rated Sistersong in Books

Aug 9, 2021

Sistersong

Lucy Holland | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)

10.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.

Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.

Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.

Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.

When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.

I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!

Kudos

Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated Mother Knows Best: A Tale of the Old Witch (Villains #5) in Books

Jul 21, 2021

I love these takes on the Disney villains back stories, and this one didn’t disappoint me at all.
We follow Gothel, of Tangled fame, a lifetime before she becomes Rapunzel’s guardian and mother. We learn about her life and what drove her to kidnap the princess when she was a baby.
We learn that Gothel had two sisters, sisters that she would do anything for as they were triplets. But their mother doesn’t seem keen to teach Gothel and her sisters her magic, which frustrates Gothel more than her sisters. Their mother dies one night, leaving Gothel to take on her duties as Queen of the Dead and rule over their “kingdom” otherwise known as the Dead Woods. Gothel thrives, while her sister do not and she becomes concerned for them, attracting the attention of the three Odd Sisters.
We follow them as they try to help Gothel help her sisters and learn her magic, whilst trying to get their hands on her mother’s spell books.
In the last part of the book, we discover why she kidnapped Rapunzel and what happens before she ends up in the tower and then follow her quickly (through the use of mirrors) through what happens in the film.
I really do love these different views on the Disney villains and the thought that goes into giving them a back story, so that they aren’t just “evil”. I can’t wait to continue on with the series and hope there are many more to come.

Kudos

Ali A (82 KP) rated The Electric Kingdom in Books

Jan 11, 2021

The Electric Kingdom

David Arnold | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

The Electric Kingdom is a novel that takes another look at the beauty of humans in a post apocalyptic world. Eighteen years after a deadly Fly Flu sweeps the globe, killing most of the population, Nico and her dog, Harry get sent on a voyage by Nico’s father to find a mythical portal. Along the way, she meets other children, including a young artist named Kit. There’s also the Deliverer, who lives Life after Life in an attempt to put the world back together. This story is an exploration of art, love, life, and finding beauty.

Every character that David Arnold writes in this book is so full of love, warmth, and heartbreak. I fell in love with Kit and his outlook on live. It was beautiful. The relationship he had with his mother Dakota, and why he calls her “My Dakota” made me tear up.

I’m not sure I completely understand the whole dynamics of the world that is in this book, but I still very much enjoyed it! There are so many layers and plot twists and double backs, you don’t realize how intense it is until you’re half way through it. By then, Arnold has you hooked and you’ve got to find out what happens and how it’s all connected!

I haven’t read anything from Arnold before but I enjoyed this one and will seeking out others from him.

*Thank you Bookish First and Penguin Teen/Viking Books for Young Readers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review