Cover Review: First Impressions (2)

If I saw these books on the shelves, I would totally want to read them based on their prettiness alone. But a pretty cover doesn't always tell you what the book is actually about, does it?

Initial thoughts: *Jaw drop* Beautiful! The flowers and dress are so pretty. I love how it's illustrated and almost looks like a comic book. Ooooh, look! A mummy!

What I expect: British lady, mummies, mystery, and romance. Looks like it will be a light and fun book.

Magic? Probably a little. I'm getting "magic curses" vibes from that mummy.

Historical? Totally, just look at her dress!

Reality: This was a light and fun story, but it had a much younger tone than I was initially expecting (more younger YA/MG than the solid YA I thought it was). There is a touch of magic and it does take place in England. Overall, the cover gives a pretty good idea of what the story is about. 

Initial thoughts: Love that dress! What is she running away from?  

What I expect: I don't really have much to go on, but she looks like she's running away from something, so I guess I expect persecution of some sort?

Magic? Something about her makes me think she's a witch, but other than that this cover really doesn't scream "I HAVE MAGIC!!"

Historical? Yes, this feels like an historical, even though I can't place when that dress would have been in fashion. For some reason I get a Salem witch trials feel from it all, but I don't know why because they certainly wouldn't have been wearing dresses like that then.

Reality: She isn't a witch (though she does have magical powers), she isn't being persecuted, and this doesn't take place during the Salem witch trials (though it is set in the past and in America). The tone of the book doesn't really match the movement or immediate distress of the cover, but it is a darker story and I do get a sense of that darkness from the cover.

Initial thoughts: Pink! Flower! Pretty!

What I expect: A story rich in atmosphere with lots of description. The position of her hands make it look like she's offering the flower, so maybe there is some similar offering in the book?

Magic? The bright colors seem magical, but other than that, no, there isn't anything that would lead me to think magic is a part of the plot.

Historical? Probably. Set in India.

Reality: While the cover image doesn't really reflect the central role magic plays in the plot, it does totally capture the lush atmosphere and Heather Tomlinson's immersive writing. I think it's a good match.

Initial thoughts: Swirly snow! I love stormy, wintry weather.

What I expect: Russia! Something fun, but also maybe a little serious too like the Gemma Doyle trilogy. I definitely get an "impending storm" vibe, which is exciting but also makes me wonder if there's a cliffhanger.

Magic? Maybe! That swirling snow looks like it has a magical twinkle, don't you think? 

Historical? While it's possible it could take place in modern times, my money is on historical.

Reality: The tone of the book matches my impressions (light, but also serious) and the pieces are definitely being put in place and the storm "gathering" in this installment. There are fantasy elements, but the paranormal smorgasbord of vampires, spellcasters, and necromancers is not made apparent by the cover. It does take place in Russia though (during the late 1800s). 

When you look at these covers, what are your first impressions? How do they line up with what the book is actually about?

Remember those "almost historical fantasy" books we mentioned in our discussion post? The "generic medieval village" and similar "Anything Goes-er" books? Ruby has a list of some of her favorites to share with you today! Stop by to see what she's picked and share your favorites!

Have you entered to win our prize pack giveaways?

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Spotlight List: Historical Fiction with Magic

Spotlight is a feature I do where I pick a topic or theme and then highlight some books that fall into that theme.

Historical Fiction with Magic

Want to dip your toes into the historical fiction pool? Maybe even take part in the YA Historical Fiction Challenge? That's great! But what if you're not really an historical fiction kind of reader? Maybe fantasy is more your thing. If that's the case, then do I have a list for you! The following are all books that can be loosely considered historical fiction ("historical fiction lite," if you will) and include paranormal and fantasy elements. 

Bewitching Season 
by Marissa Doyle

Release Date: April 29, 2008

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages:  352

Goodreads Page

Doyle seamlessly combines magic, Regency drama, romance, and kidnapping in this upbeat story about two magical sisters making their debut into society while also trying to discretely search for their missing governess. The characters were a delight and the story was fun. The sisters were repeatedly distracted from the plight of their kidnapped governess by courtly balls and dress shopping. While odd for characters who should be wracked with worry, these scenes were equally distracting to me and so I didn’t mind them at all. The whole book has an upbeat and girly feel I just loved. There is a sequel, but this book wraps up as if it were a standalone.

 

Sorcery and Cecelia 
by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

Release Date: 1988

Publisher: Graphia
Pages:  336

Goodreads Page

If J.K. Rowling and Jane Austen teamed up to write a book, this would be the result. Instead, two powerhouse fantasy authors combined forces to write this epistolary novel, each taking the voice of one of the two main characters as they write to one another about their exciting season. Written in a completely charming voice, Sorcery and Cecelia can only be described as a hilariously fun romp through a magic-filled Regency England. Witches and wizards, intrigue and scheming, and of course a healthy dose of adorable romance make this one of my favorite books ever. Part one of a trilogy, Sorcery and Cecelia is easily read as a standalone. 

Magic Under Glass 
by Jaclyn Dolamore

Release Date: February 1, 2010

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages:  225

Goodreads Page

Part fantasy, part fairy story, part Victorian steampunk, and part Gothic, this book takes elements of a bunch of different styles and effectively combines them to create an intriguing story. Nimira is a likable main character, but my favorite by far was the enigmatic Hollin with his tragic past. While I wasn’t in love with the execution, Dolamore has set a satisfactory foundation and shows promise for future installments of this series. The main events are wrapped up, but there are enough loose ends that will leave readers anxious for the sequel.

Kat, Incorrigible 
by Stephanie Burgis

Release Date: April 5, 2011 (already published in the UK)

Publisher: Atheneum
Pages:  295

Goodreads Page

Fans of Sorcery and Cecelia and Bewitching Season are sure to enjoy this adorable Regency-era book. Kat, the 12-year-old heroine is beyond cute. The relationship she shares with her two older sisters is heartwarming and fun to read. Pulled into magic, secret orders, balls, arranged marriages, romantic matchmaking, gambling debts, and rumors of a thieving highwayman on the loose, Kat’s adventures are at turns perilous, exciting, and heartwarming. The characters are endearing, the plot delightful, and the writing charming. I can’t wait for Stephanie Burgis to write another book!

The Vespertine 
by Saundra Mitchell
Release Date: March 7, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages:  304  
Goodreads Page        

In the summer of 1899, country girl Amelia is sent to stay with relatives in Baltimore for the social season in order to find a suitable husband. Amelia’s fun is interrupted by startling visions that appear to her in the light of the setting sun. As the town clamors for Amelia to read their futures, Amelia finds her heart pulled toward the decidedly unsuitable Nathaniel, an artist below her station. Balancing the fine line between propriety and passion, tension grows as Amelia’s visions show her increasingly disturbing events. While I didn’t find it perfect, this was an enjoyable story with an ending that was as shocking as it was satisfying. You can read all of my thoughts on The Vespertine in my review.

Do you know any historical fiction books with magic? Please feel free to share in the comments. I'm always on the lookout for suggestions!

Looking for more Spotlight Lists?

Sleeping Beauty Retold

Gothic Fiction, part II: YA Gothic Fiction, part 1

More Spotlight Lists

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Book Review: The Vespertine, by Saundra Mitchell

The Vespertine, by Saundra Mitchell
Release Date: March 7, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 293
Received: Net Galley
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 
Author's Page
Amazon Page 
Goodreads Page

Summary

In the summer of 1899, country girl Amelia is sent to stay with relatives in Baltimore for the social season in order to find a suitable husband. The season begins joyfully with friendships and a number of attractive young men, but Amelia’s fun is interrupted by startling visions that appear to her in the light of the setting sun. Amelia and her cousin Zora begin accepting callers for private readings. As the town clamors for Amelia to read their futures, Amelia finds her heart pulled toward the decidedly unsuitable Nathaniel, an artist below her station. Balancing the fine line between propriety and passion, tension grows as Amelia’s visions show her increasingly disturbing events.

Review

The book opens in the fall of 1899, after the events of the story have already transpired. We learn that tragedy has struck and Amelia has been left a ruined madwoman. To say this is an ominous opening is an understatement. I was saturated with a feeling of dread throughout the entire story, knowing that whatever happened would ultimately lead to a tragic end.

I was completely captivated. My mind was racing with questions right from the start. What happened to Amelia? What drove her mad? What is the nature of the tragedy? The dark allusions to cursed visions pulled me in further. I couldn’t wait to find out the story surrounding these visions and how the paranormal aspect would be woven into the story.

On the other hand, however, this somber beginning tainted my enjoyment of the romance. We know from the start that Amelia is a ruined woman, and in 1899 that usually meant a woman trusted her heart to an untrustworthy man. Knowing how Amelia’s relationship ended up, I had a very hard time liking Nathaniel. I constantly viewed him with suspicion and resentment.

In some ways, though, Nathaniel was an attractive romantic lead. There were some sensual scenes that I couldn’t help but get caught up in. Mitchell has a real gift with words and it shines in these scenes. Their behavior is basically PG-13, but her writing made these scenes smolder. There were a number of sentences throughout the book (both in the sexy scenes and in others) that caught my attention to the point where I stopped to reread and admire them. I also must point out how impressed I was by Michell's ability to so convincingly write in an 1899 tone and style. This is a big change from her previous book (modern, American Southern) and really makes her stand out to me as a convincing and versatile author.

Still, despite these scenes, I never really warmed up to Nathaniel. He took far too many liberties, and while there is something dangerously attractive about a man flaunting social conventions for love, it turns distasteful when he has just as little regard for the reputation of his lady. I did not like that about him, and in turn I also thought less of Amelia for allowing this sort of ruination.

It also struck me as rather rude of Amelia to so blatantly flaunt her social breaches while she was a guest in her family’s home. I may sound stuffy, but her behavior was a reflection upon them, and she seemed to care very little about how her actions would affect their reputations. I had a hard time liking Amelia as a character and feeling much sympathy for her eventual circumstances.

Even with my dislike of the two main characters, I still enjoyed this book. The side characters, while not developed as much as I would have liked, were interesting and fun to read about. I was much more invested in their stories and romances. The mysterious impending tragedy kept suspense high and I practically flew through the chapters to find out what would happen next.

I was confused by the paranormal aspects of the story. Amelia’s abilities were explained well enough in action, but I was frustrated at the lack of reason behind her talents. I have no idea why she receives visions and why only at sunset (and only in the presence of the sun, I think?). Is this ability a common or accepted occurrence in Amelia’s world? I don’t know and I would have liked to have read an explanation. The other abilities completely puzzled me. What exactly were they? Were they connected to Amelia's abilities? I just didn’t understand them at all.

The climax of the story is astounding. I wasn’t expecting it at all. With the ominous lead up and hints at something absolutely terrible happening, I was wondering if the eventual reveal would live up to the hype. All I can say without spoiling the ending is that it most certainly did live up to the hype. I have to give Mitchell credit here, she delivered.

My lower rating is because of my personal dislike of Amelia and Nathaniel and my confusion over the paranormal aspects of the book. The story overall was enjoyable, so take my rating with a grain of salt and read this one for yourself. You might also be interested in checking out Logan E. Turner's review. She loved The Vespertine so much her review is even motivating me to do a reread!

 Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key 

Looking for something similar? You might like: 

The Twin's Daughter, by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Immortal, by Gillian Shields
Prophecy of the Sisters, by Michelle Zink

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In My Mailbox (1)

In My Mailbox is a meme started by Kristi at The Story Siren with some inspiration from Alea of Pop Culture Junkie where we get to post about the books we receive each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests won, and libraries.
 
The cute IMM button comes from Bewitched Bookworms. 

Here's my haul this week:

The Vespertine, by Saundra Mitchell
Release Date: March 7, 2011
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 304
Received: Net Galley
Author's Page
My Thoughts: Isn't the cover beautiful? The description sounds exciting, with historical, paranormal, and dark romantic aspects. What's not to love? 

Marketing Copy Description:

It's the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.
When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia's world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she's not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

Haint Misbehavin' (The Ghost Handlers' series, book 1), by Maureen Hardegree
Release Date: July 2010
Publisher: Bell Bridge Books
Pages: 204
Received: Net Galley
Author's Page
My Thoughts: I loved Meg Cabot's Mediator series and I've heard this book series compared favorably. Sounds cute and sweet.  

Product Description:

The start of a fun middle-grade series, The Ghost Handlers, follows Heather Tildy, an Atlanta teen with a troublesome habit of attracting ghosts. Middle-child Heather has enough to worry about with sisters, boys and school. Now that a trouble-making girl from the 1800's is poking her nose in Heather's business, her life has taken a supernatural turn for the worse! Before her life can get better, she has to figure out how to help the ghost move on.

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