Standalone
340 p.
Publisher: Pyr
Published: 11/1/16
Source: From publisher for review
In 1814, the Congress of Vienna has just begun. Diplomats battle over a new map of Europe, actors vie for a chance at glory, and aristocrats and royals from across the continent come together to celebrate the downfall of Napoleon…among them Lady Caroline Wyndham, a wealthy English widow. But Caroline has a secret: she was born Karolina Vogl, daughter of a radical Viennese printer. When her father was arrested by the secret police, Caroline’s childhood was stolen from her by dark alchemy.
Under a new name and nationality, she returns to Vienna determined to save her father even if she has to resort to the same alchemy that nearly broke her before. But she isn’t expecting to meet her father’s old apprentice, Michael Steinhüller, now a charming con man in the middle of his riskiest scheme ever.
The sinister forces that shattered Caroline’s childhood still rule Vienna behind a glittering façade of balls and salons, Michael’s plan is fraught with danger, and both of their disguises are more fragile than they realize. What price will they pay to the darkness if either of them is to survive?
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed Stephanie Burgis's last historical novel, Masks and Shadows(review linked) so I was thrilled that this one came in the mail for review. This is based on some historical events (Congress of Vienna) and people ( for example Pergren, a villain in the book, was a real villain in life). The author even suggests books at the end of the story if you would like to further your education on the time or people of the book.
Of course not everything is based on truth and usually that is the part that I enjoy. I would have thought the alchemy would have drawn me in... well, it did, but what really captivated me was the mystery. Caroline was the mystery. Her past, present, and what she wanted all intermingled with the political intrigue of the time period. How those puzzle pieces came together is what really what had me turning the pages of this book.
There are other POVs within the book which enhances the political mystery as well as brings to light other aspects that Caroline did not and could not have known or expected. One of them is the viewpoint of Michael who was an old trusted friend whom she felt abandoned her. You also get a viewpoints of Emperor Francis and Peter who is part of an actors group caught up in the intrigue. These viewpoints are well placed and so it wasn't confusing to the reader.
Without revealing what happens I have to say I really enjoyed the ending. I did not want to put it down and it was quite satisfying, especially with our main character, Caroline. This is a solid mystery with some paranormal happenings to enhance the threat. I give this book 4 stars.
Series: Seriously Wicked #2
240 p.
Publisher: Tor Teen
Published: 11/1/16
Source: From publisher for review
A sparkling new adventure about teen witch Camellia and her mother, wicked witch Sarmine, introduced to readers in Seriously Wicked
Teenage witch Cam isn’t crazy about the idea of learning magic. She’d rather be no witch than a bad one. But when a trio of her mother’s wicked witch friends decide to wreak havoc in her high school, Cam has no choice but to try to stop them.
Now Cam’s learning invisibility spells, dodging exploding cars, and pondering the ethics of love potions. All while trying to keep her grades up and go on a first date with her crush. If the witches don’t get him first, that is. Can’t a good witch ever catch a break?
My thoughts:
I had not read the first book in this series and I had a feeling I would be okay skipping it. I was so you should have no problems if you haven't read the first book (although I know it's gotten good reviews). I did read her Ironskin series and enjoyed them so that was another reason I took a chance on this book, plus I was in the mood for something light.
The book as a whole is YA but it reads quite young. I would think that mature MG kids could read this one with no problems. While the themes weren't too mature, there was some alcohol in the book even though Cam was against underage drinking. I would probably suggest those that are on the fence about letting their kids read it try it first before deciding. If nothing else you will have read a entertaining book yourself.
Within the story Cam is determined to be a good witch despite being surrounded by "wicked" witches. She considers her mom a wicked witch (her mom concurs) but she is more like someone who wants her way and feels she knows what is best for everyone else. So... borderline evil. She finds that her mom's friends want to play a game in destroying her friend's lives but with an unexpected truce with her mom she figures out the most evil witch's end game and how to save everyone around her. She should be quite exhausted after trying to outthink everyone.
The secondary characters work and I really think they enhanced the story. I really liked her circle of friends and it was nice that she was able to let several of them in on her witchy secret. Sometimes the secret trope gets old quickly so that was a refreshing part of the story.
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the friendship and the fun in dealing with a wicked witch while finding out what truly makes a good witch. I also enjoyed the end tidbits with the spells she had to figure out as well as her morality good witch list.
Thanks for visiting the blog, and for being great bookish friends!
For those celebrating have a great time and lots of good food. For the rest, happy Thursday!
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Also please care and have a thought to those that are facing some scary times right now. I thought this video was beautiful which actually has a Thanksgiving theme to it.
You might have to sit through a commercial first. Sorry about that.
Filmmaker Frank Chi captures young Muslim Americans reading letters written by Japanese Americans during their time held in internment camps in the midst of World War II. (Frank Chi/ Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center)
I've been complaining that the holidays come WAY too soon, but in crafting it can begin as early as July (Christmas in July... sound familiar?) to get everything done. I've been doing a few things and I thought I'd share.
The first thing is actually for me. Had to try this out and see how it works.
EOS holder:
This holds those EOS lip balms. I could not resist this one. Too funny! :)
I had mentioned that I used the glow in the dark embroidery on my wreath. I also did that to these unicorn skelanimals. I tried to get a pic of them. If you squint just right... you may be able to see it (you might have to click on the pic to make it bigger)...
I also made some key FOBs for the vet's office:
For the vets, vet techs and office workers. They get to decide who gets what... although some are more obvious than others. :)
And last for today is some key FOBs I made for a cousin and his boys. They love the ninja turtles and so I made all the colors. They get to chose who gets what color. :)
So, anyone crafting for the holidays already? I'm not done yet... *wipes sweat off of brow* ;) Will have more of these posts as I start to take pics. :) I'll try to do better pics.
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Got a question as to what to do besides donations. Here are some actions:
1. Call Senator Lindsey Graham's office at (202) 224-5972, push 2 if you get the recording. Tell the staff member "I support Senator Graham's investigation into Russia's participation in the election of Donald Trump."
I have not been able to get a hold of someone yet. Both mailboxes have been full as of this writing.
2. Call the House Oversight Committee tell them you support the call for a bipartisan review of Trump's financials and conflicts of interest. (202) 225-5074.
Still haven't been able to get it through... yet.
3. Call Paul Ryan's office and take his survey about the Affordable Care Act. You'll hear a short pause (sometimes the dead air is more than a minute), then press 2 to opt into the survey. You'll a short speech about Ryan's stance, then press 1 to support the ACA. (202)-225-0600. You don't have to talk to anyone here, it is all a recording.
Well, I'm still processing, still angry and still here. There have been some issues that have come about that I cannot be silent about. I apologize to those that find it triggering but I cannot stay silent anymore. The first part, if you missed it, about the election and why I'll have the puppy giveaway in Dec. is HERE.
Sore Loser?
With people being named for important powerful positions the fears of many people are now becoming real. This isn't about being a "sore loser" it is about REAL fear coming true. The #notmypresident protest is partially about not being able to support someone who ran on abhorrent ideals. They cannot say that the racist, misogynistic, and xenophobic rhetoric he spouted during the campaign is ok in any way at all. However there is real value in questioning (not demeaning) the protest and reminding people to not resort to violence. He is the president elect. We must now turn toward vigilance against demagoguery, racism, misogyny, and hate. Turn your energy toward that. Call your representatives.
Need more reasons people are afraid? Let's start with just a couple of the people that will be a part of his team. One member of the "transition team" under Pence that Trump has named. He is Kris Kobach. He penned one of the most racist legislation to go through AZ requiring that people looking a certain way to carry papers to prove that they are US citizens. Steve Bannon who has been named as the White House Chief Strategist is the other worry. He has been known to have had Trump's ear throughout the campaign. Both have been known to work with white supremacists (who have come out as happy for this appointment) and Bannon even has a website with white nationalist, anti-semitic, and misogynistic views called Breitbart. Even Paul Ryan (who actually seemed reasonable at times during the campaign but has recently refused to decry Bannon) has just decreed that Medicare will become privatized. And yes, there is still no solid plan to replace the ACA. No, I don't believe that parts of it will stay and I will not count on it. Those that he is moving into place want to eliminate it first and decide what to do about it later. I do still hope to be pleasantly surprised but don't believe it will happen. They won't allow it.
There are other reasons that are coming to light that have confirmed the fears of a lot of people. This is just a tiny bit of it. So, no, it is not the same thing as when Obama took office. He did not run on a campaign of exclusion (even if you felt that way, his campaign still didn't run with that rhetoric). He extended a hand, many people feel that Trump has already extended a fist. It is hard to give someone a chance when on the campaign trail people did give him several chances. They would try to correct him by telling him he really didn't mean "that", they tried to help him understand why what he said was painful. His response was to double down on his initial argument. As I said before in my last post, he has already hurt people.
And to those that compare one hate against another, know this: There is no contest to be won and anything done out of hate is just plainly wrong. That kind of comparison is used to distract from any real discussion. Any reasonable person would denounce any sort of violence. You already know that.
This is one of a million explanations, articles and social media statuses explaining why people feel this way. This should no longer be an unknown factor as to why people are reacting in this manner.
Also, I would like to address one thing that has been coming across from all sides of the equation. It is that the liberals were somehow silencing the radical conservatives. I want to make it clear, right now, that the predicament we are in is the fault of EVERY US CITIZEN even if the reasons for that fault are different. I also firmly believe that many didn't say who they were voting for because they knew that to side with the horrible things Trump was saying was wrong even if that wasn't why they voted for him. I think this tweet actually sums up how I feel about this issue:
Perhaps the most insightful political comment I've seen in the election aftermath from a very smart friend of mine. pic.twitter.com/uMjbm2LIOF
And still, I do think they deserve a seat at the table. I want them at the table. They are valuable because they are human. They deserve their non-hate fears and issues to be heard. I have heard that people felt bullied into accepting change, so let that be your topic but change your tactics. We can't force anyone to sit at the table and you can't force anyone else to accept what we see is hateful. Let me also make this clear: I've not talked to one person who believed that everyone who voted for Trump was racist, sexist or against LGBTQ groups (and yes, I know that person exists but they aren't the majority). However...
Yes, I do want to always include these. Not so we ignore the negatives, but so we can increase the positives.
Heard of the #safetypin movement? There have been some legitimate criticisms of it. One opinion is HERE. While I agree with some points of the article, I do believe that there is value in it. Another thoughtful article is HERE which actually reflects more of my view of the safety pin. Don't wear one unless you actually plan on helping someone in some manner if they have experienced marginalization. It is supposed to be a pin of action. Action doesn't mean confronting a dangerous person (that may not be safe for anyone involved), but it can mean just sitting next to the person and coming forth with words of support. Bearing witness (filming) and be willing to become a witness in a police report. Make sure the victim is okay. Also, realize that this does not give you permission to become a bully yourself. Do not become the monster you are fighting. Also, don't expect someone marginalized to feel safe because you wear a pin. I see it as more of a signal that you do not support what is going on. Your actions or lack of action will define the rest of your statement.
✨Let me give you an example. My mother, who is a person of color, was getting some very angry stares and was even confronted in a angry way while going to the grocery store. We had arguments about her going alone while the election was running and after an angry confrontation she finally started taking my dad to the store with her. After the election we were all more nervous and she agreed to still take my dad with her. All 3 of us have been wearing the safety pin. My mom has seen a shift in attitude. She noticed that someone would see the pin and then they would be extra helpful. We were first worried it would have the opposite effect. I'm thankful that they made sure my mother felt welcome. So, it even works in "reverse".
✨People are donating money to Planned Parenthood in Pence's name.
✨The ACLU is seeing record support and will be stronger for it when fighting for our rights.
✨Various leaders in different states are standing up to what he has proposed (like mass deportation and I think the list will get longer as it goes on- both in leaders and in issues). The governor in my state has already drawn a line in the sand about mass deportation. I suspect he will also reject registration of different groups as well (yes, there is historical precedence for similar legislation in my state and the rejection of it).
✨There is a way to get your representatives to hear you. Remember they represent YOU even if you voted for the "other person". Check out Emily Ellsworth Explains How to Get Congress to Listen if you haven't seen it yet. Yes, I have already called about the Bannon and Kobach appointments.
✨People are paying attention to some of the wrongs going on in reservations in the US. Standing Rock has gotten attention. The level this one is at is unprecedented.
✨Consider this: Shedding light on what was already present but hidden in the shadows is a GOOD thing. Sometimes things need to get worse before it can heal. It is the nature of a lot of things. You cannot heal what you do not acknowledge.
✨The Obama/Biden memes:
Obama: Did you replace all the toiletries with travel size bottles?
Biden: He's got tiny hands Barack, I want him to feel welcome here pic.twitter.com/e7NRIZ43Ww
Obama: "Joe, why are you still holding my hand?"
Biden: "I wanna freak Mike Pence out"
Obama: "But why?"
Biden: "Just roll with it" pic.twitter.com/o5KZZ0Ysgz
Heh... I needed these, I don't know about you. There are also a lot more out there. People keep makin' them! 😂 Share 'em if you got 'em. *snort*
Getting back into the Groove:
So, back to some reviews...
I've not been reading although I do have some reviews of books I've read and reviewed but not posted. I just cannot find the ability to lose myself in reading. I needed more stimulation so I decided to binge watch Jessica Jones who just about everyone was praising.
Yea, this was fabulous. Just dark enough for my mood but doesn't drag you deeper. Jessica is the perfect anti-hero and the introduction to Luke Cage was perfect. David Tennant plays the perfect bad guy and it was also a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won't get bored with this one. It had me from the first episode. Warning to some people who don't like it, it does have sex and violence in it.
Of course then I had to binge Luke Cage:
Okay, I was so happy to get some background on Luke. Plus the gratuitous shirtless parts he had to endure wasn't too bad. 😉 My only problem with it was that despite the diverse cast it still had very stereotypical aspects to it. I also didn't quite feel the danger until about episode 8 although the mystery of Luke was preserved and kept you wanting to know more. He was pretty invincible until then and that aspect of danger was needed to bring his character out fully. I also didn't like it when he was a womanizer but when he started to trust he shined and you will swoon. I still want him together with Jessica (the other show totally ruined my idea of him with someone else) but I did like the other possible romantic relationships he might have. Darn it. LOL Also, same warning as Jessica Jones.
I'll be hitting Daredevil next even though it was a bit backwards. It's the fault of those that wanted me to see Jessica Jones before that one. Yea, that's it... their fault. LOL There will also be other Netflix episodes of Marvel characters and some are supposed to work together in other series. If you have been liking the superhero movies then do try these. They are addicting.
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PS. Please do SOMETHING. Call your representative. VOTE in the next election. It could even be more crucial to vote in 2 years than in 4.
