The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

 

Shirley J.     Adult Fiction           Deals with the Devil

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab   444 pages

Addie Larue was born in the 1700s in a small town in France.   She grows up being friends with a local woman who teaches her about herbs, healing, the new and old gods.   When Addie comes of marrying age, her father and a local older man who is a widower with children strike a deal for Addie's hand in marriage.   Addie does not want such a life and when she is unable to reason with her parents she goes to her wise woman friend for advice.   Addie plans to run away but the woman tells her to take her plight to the old gods but not the ones out after dark.   Fate being what it is Addie is out after dark running from her parents who are giving her over to this stranger to marry.   She runs pleading with any entity that will hear her to save her from this fate.  Guess who is listening and turns up?   He  first appears as the "Green Man,' of the forest but later he turns up in the guise of the man of Addie's dreams, tempting her though she knows this personna is not a true one, she still often finds it irresistable.     Deals made in the dark to dark gods are never without a dear price to pay for them in exchange and Addie finds this out to her sorrow.   A good book that holds your interest throughout.    I would recommend this book to highschoolers on up due to sexual content. 

The Light Between Worlds

The Light Between Worlds by Laura E. Weymouth                 Audio Book:  9 hours, 30 minutes     Paperback Book:  384 pages              

At first I though, o.k. this is a Narnia knock-off, but then midbook it takes a different turn.   Instead of staying with the fantasy of the magical other life in the Woodlands, when war begins to rage in the Woodlands though they have spent 6 ½ years in the fantasy world they are sent back to their childhood selves in London to the time before they were allowed to enter the Woodlands.    Lots happens and a really good account of what it must have been like living in London during the dropping of the bombs from German planes.   Also a trip into the brokenness of a young girl’s mind when she finds she cannot cope with living in this world anymore asit is killing her.    She loses her adventuress spirit as she does her best to contend with boarding school life amid growing up a second time, being cut-off from the sister who had been more a mother to her as the bonds between her and her parents were fairly non-existent.   While the parents tried to save the children by bundling them off to relatives and friends evry chance they got to keep them safe, they also destroyed whatever bond there had been between the children and themselves.  The only thing the children could count on was moving to another locations and staying with people they hardly knew some who expected them to work for them others who tried to be understanding but they had no real ties to.   Escaping to the Woodlands made the children feel loved and cherished, but, even after all the time they spent there proving their metal they still were made to leave.   Like Alice down the rabbit hole then returning home once changed home is never home any more.  As the sisters do their best to make their way and their brother remains concerned but aloof, Ev, the youngest sister slips into a lethargy she cannot shake.  She stops eating, she loses weight, though her brother has a friend watch over her, who falls in love with her, nothing can ease the sorrow Ev undergoes having to stay in this world when the world she feels a part of is denied her.    She calls for the Guardian of that world to please let her return as he always said while they were living with him, “A Woodlanders heart will always find a way back home.”  But how?   It turned out to be a good story, more cerebral and bound by WWII, tea time and a family that just cannot find its way back together, though, the parents were caring they just didn’t know how to repair the gap they created with their children.    The fantasy world seemed like a place so many of us would love to visit and maybe stay in though it wasn’t without its evil, too.    I would recommend this book, I think it would be better received by those unfamiliar with the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis then there wouldn’t be that mental comparison going on, but, the story does go off in a different direction so readers can wonder which world would have been their choosing and if that world was actual or a means of dealing with the horrors of war?   A lot like Narnia.

  - Shirley J

Vision in Silver and Marked in Flesh

Vision in Silver (The Others #3) by Anne Bishop     400 pages
Marked in Flesh (The Others #4) by Anne Bishop  399 pages  (total of 799 between both books)

Books #3 and #4 in this series continue the ongoing story of the struggle between the two groups who inhabit this version of our world: the terra indigene, who are shifters, and the Others (a/k/a humans).  The two books take the story through the anticipated war between these two groups, and it really ramps up when you get to the fourth book.

  I have been enjoying these books, especially how the story picks up in each book where the previous book left off, and how the character development continues, as well. By the time you get into the fourth book, you feel like you really know some of the characters and truly care about what's going to happen to them.  I like that Bishop makes the humans the awful Others in this world --- I can definitely see where she's coming from, since humans in our own world have been responsible for so much destruction.

I see there are more books in this series, which I plan to read since I've been enjoying these books so far.

THE WIZARD IN THE TREE

The Wizard In The Tree by Lloyd Alexander  137 pages 

Reviewed by Rae C.

https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/123687116

An orphaned girl made to live as a servant frees a Wizard who has been trapped in a tree for thousands of years.  His powers are all wonky from disuse, and he has aged so much while he was stuck in the tree, that he must leave the mortal world quickly or die.  But how can he travel to Vale Innis, the magical land, without his powers? And how can he escape the other villagers with various evil plots against him? Mallory, the orphan girl, loves fairy tales, and Arbican, the Wizard, spends a lot of time disavowing and disapproving of her mostly incorrect ideas about magic and magicians.  But she is determined to help him, despite the difficulties and dangers both to him and to herself.

I was given this book as a birthday present when it first came out in 1975.  I didn't appreciate it then, because I was too much like Mallory and wanted magical enchanters that granted wishes. I was a big fan of Ruth Chew, whose witches were also often wanting or awkward with their powers. But Arbican insisted too much on mortals being greedy for magic, and not relying on human powers to solve problems. I've been re-reading Alexander’s Prydain chronicles and decided to re-visit this.

When I was a child I didn't appreciate how strong the female character Mallory is, and how clever. She’s a true heroine! It's a clever and well-crafted story, with great plotting, and a very satisfying ending. The villain is a formidable opponent, and Arbican is a lovable curmudgeon.  I’m glad I re-read it! 

Queens of Innis Lear

Queens of Innis Lear by Tessa Gratton     575 pages

The erratic decisions of a prophecy-obsessed king have drained Innis Lear of its wild magic, leaving behind a trail of barren crops and despondent subjects. Enemy nations circle the once-bountiful isle, sensing its growing vulnerability, hungry to control the ideal port for all trade routes.

The king's three daughters—battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan, and restrained, starblessed Elia—know the realm's only chance of resurrection is to crown a new sovereign, proving a strong hand can resurrect magic and defend itself. But their father will not choose an heir until the longest night of the year, when prophecies align and a poison ritual can be enacted.

Refusing to leave their future in the hands of blind faith, the daughters of Innis Lear prepare for war—but regardless of who wins the crown, the shores of Innis will weep the blood of a house divided.

The book is long, so I'll keep my review brief: Writing: amazing. Story: well constructed, based off of King Lear but retold in a clever way, slow going. Characters: Well rounded, flawed, full of angst (every last one) Overall, I can say I liked the book, but definitely not as much as I was expecting to. It was much too long, or the story took too long to grab hold. Lots of flipping back and forth from past to present and so much narration of people, places, things that it took a long time between moments of action. This book was 50% peoples inner thoughts and monologues, 40% people talking to each other but not doing anything, and 10% things actually happening. It was slow, but well written. Is that enough for me to give it four stars? No. For some, this may be a four star or even five star read. Not for me. I don't regret having read it, but I'd only recommend it to people who like long, methodical world building and character development in their high-fantasy.

The Clockwork Dynasty

The Clockwork Dynasty by Daniel H. Wilson  309 pages

Alternating between the past and the present, this story explores a race of beings designed to live within strict principles, yet endlessly searching for meaning. We have 1725 Russia, where the tsar's mechanician beings to life to humanlike mechanical beings, Peter and Elena.  In the present day, a young anthropologist specializing in ancient technology discovers a secret concealed in the workings of a mechanical doll, only to find that now her life is intertwined with a remarkable traveler who opens her eyes to world she never knew existed.

I felt like this book had a bit of a slow start, but then as the story grew in detail, the pace picked up. I enjoyed how there was a back-and-forth in time which seemed like completely different stories, only to have them intersect and come together like, well, clockwork. I also enjoyed how imaginative the story was and how much detail the author included; it made the characters really come to life!

Indexing

Indexing by Seanan McGuire       404 pages

The Aarne-Thompson Index classifies folklore and fairytales. The ATI Management Bureau is a secret government agency dedicated to keeping those fairy tales from taking over the world, because a classical “happily ever after” tends to leave bodies in its wake.

Indexing was originally released through Amazon’s Kindle Serials program, and the transition to traditional print isn’t seamless. Especially early on, there are a few dangling bits of redundant exposition, a couple loose plot threads left hanging, but nothing too bad. “Dark, modern-day fairy tale” is well-trodden territory by now, but McGuire does it well. It’s not my favorite among her books, but it’s a pleasant read nonetheless.

Unseen Academicals

Unseen  Academicals by Terry Pratchett (4 stars, Audio, 400 pages)

This is one of many installments in Pratchett’s venerable Discworld Series. Foot-the-ball dominates the streets of Ankh-Morpork, threatening livelihoods and ending lives. Archchancellor Ridcully and the staff of Unseen University are compelled by Lord Vetinari to refine and redirect the game into, it turns out, something that looks familiar. There are many other plot threads as well: reluctant hero Trevor Likely’s romance with aspiring model Juliette; Ridcully’s rivalry with an upstart university; Glenda Sugarbean’s need to control her surroundings; and the identity of the exceedingly helpful Mr. Nutt.

So it’s all about the Football (Soccer to Americans), but... it’s not, really. A major theme in this book is that Football is about the Shove - the all-consuming crush of the crowd in their pursuit to participate in the street version of the game. And it’s all the Shove. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd’s approval or the relentless desire to get ahead in life, it all comes back to this. Anyway, for non-sports fans who love Pratchett, there’s much more to this than the sports talk, and if you’re still worried, there’s only
 the one game.
All your favorite familiar Discworld characters make an appearance. (Vetinari and the Librarian are mine.) The book is a light-hearted romp down the streets of Ankh-Morpork, and a fun send-up of sports culture, academic culture, modeling culture, pretty much every kind of culture there is, and even some that don’t quite exist. Though your understanding of the city would surely be enhanced by reading some of the other books, don’t feel like you have to read them.  This book stands alone well. I think the three main characters - Trevor, Glenda, and Nutt - are all original to this book.

Once Broken Faith

Once Broken Faith (October Daye, #10) by Seanan McGuire    420 pages

In this tenth book of the October (Toby) Daye series, the focus is on the cure (and ensuing politics of) for elf-shot. She's been ordered to appear before a historic convocation of monarchs, overseen by the High King and Queen themselves.  Of course, things have barely gotten underway when the first dead body is discovered. As the only changeling in attendance, Toby is already the target of hostility and suspicion, so she needs to find the killer before they strike again.

I don't know why I keep reading this series because I'm pretty much to the "meh" point when I finish the book. However, I enjoy some of the characters and find that even though some of the storyline can be predictable, the books are overall an okay read.

McGuire doesn't expect the reader to have read all of the books in the series, so she does give a bit of backstory here and there --- which is helpful, but doesn't make it a slog for those of us who have been reading the series all along. I do find that I get a little confused with all of the different political intrigues that go on (and admittedly, find at times that it's a little pretentious). However, I like the world that McGuire has created in this series and as mentioned, like some of the characters.

The first 10 books in The Hallows Series by Kim Harrison

Dead Witch Walking, The Good, The Bad and The Undead, Every Which way but Dead, Fistful of Charms, For A Few Demons More, Outlaw Demon Wails, White Witch Black Charm, Black Magic Sanction, Pale Demon, and Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison, 4722 pages in 10 books.


The Hallows follow the detective/bounty hunter work of Rachel Morgan, a witch, as she and her partners Jenks (pixie) and Ivy (vampire) tackle both human and supernatural threats.

Strangely enough I actually found The Hallows series through its graphic novel adaptation of Dead Witch Walking. I was intrigued enough by that graphic novel what I went looking for more, and despite there not being more graphic novels, I learned that this series exists.

There are a lot of interesting subplots that really add to The Hallows depth and make it great. There is the fact that Jenks is already old for a pixie, and how much longer he might have. There is the fact that Ivy wants to drink Rachel's blood, but won't without her "permission". There is conspiracy to have Rachel killed. And then there is Trent, a multimillionaire that cannot help but wiggle his fingers in everybody's pies. 

All of this makes this series good. Like Dresden Files good. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes the somewhat gritty urban fantasy.

Winter's Heart

Winter's Heart by Robert Jordan, Audiobook: 24.25 hours, Hardback book: 668 pages

This is the ninth book in the Wheel of Time series. Perrin is traveling with Masema but not quite under the circumstances that he had planned. Elayne and Nynaeve are in Caemlyn where Elayne continues to strengthen her claim to the throne of Andor.


Mat's storyline picks back up in this book. He was injured in the Seanchan invasion and it prevented him from leaving the city. As he has gotten closer to being fully healed he has started to plan his escape. During this time, a Seanchan member of royalty has shown up and shows some interest in him. Of course, he escapes but there are some kinks in his plans.


Rand plans to cleanse the male half of magic which had been tainted by the Dark One. The end of the book sees him trying to complete this.


There were some exciting and significant events in this book that I loved so I would rate this one pretty highly in the series. The narrators do an excellent job of bringing this book to life. 

Every Heart a Doorway

Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire.   173 pages

As we all know, children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through a wardrobe into a magical land or tumbling down a rabbit hole. However, what happens when those lands discard those children back into the real world?

When Nancy arrives at the Home, she feels that she's among people who might understand her. She went through a Door once and now she's back, completely changed and completely at odds with the world around her. Under Miss West's care, Nancy and the other children can seek a way back to their fantasy worlds. However, after Nancy arrives, it soon becomes clear that there is danger around every corner and when tragedy strikes, it's up to Nancy and her new friends to get to the heart of the matter. No matter the cost.

I have enjoyed other books by this author and have always found her to be a creative storyteller. I was completely enchanted by this story and enjoyed it enough to add it the list of books for my personal collection. McGuire doesn't shy away from making this a dark story, even though the main character is a young person. If you enjoyed the Miss Peregrine books, you might like this, even though it has a darker edge to it.

The Undead Pool

The Undead Pool by Kim Harrison     Audio Book:  16 hours, 15 mins.        Hardback:  423 pages        

What is not to love here?   A witch day walking demon in love with an Elf posing as a Werewolf, whose best friends are a vampire and a pixie with 6 kids (also pixies) that are constantly into everything and scurrying all over the place but always want to be in the midst of what’s going on so they can help.   Throw into the mix a Gargoyle who can be bribed with cookies.   And it all takes place in Cinncinnatti!     There is an insane goddess and mystic spirits that possess the Demon heroine.   The undead are in a sleep state and can’t seem to be awakened.   There is so much magic afoot and pixie dust afloat like I said what is not to love about this story?   I think I liked the language used the best, especially the main character’s best friend Jinks – he is hilarious.   A fun read.

Trigger Warning

Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman                             Audio Book: 11 hours, 1 min      Hardback Book:368 pages          

These stories are meant to be triggers to the reader, tales that offer disturbing subjects meant to trip the readers’ fear reaction.   The author points out one of his friends told him her trigger was anything with tentacles she is terrified of such so yes, there is a story here with tentacles for days.   Stories found here include an imaginary lover named Cassandra, who comes to life,  a story that reminded me of Tyrion Lanister (Game of Thrones) which is interesting as the author gave these stories to George R. R. Martin to read them before he submitted them to his publisher, there is a story about a landlady of a bed and breakfast who seduces her male tenants then they disappear,  and a story of a young man who’s mother knows a lot about a lot of things as mothers do, though, her info deals with ancient alien relics and time continuum refractions with visits from Aztecs etc.     These tales are so good and told in such a smooth way even when they are describing talking skeletons, ghosts interacting with humans, devils, demons spectres, shadows and many things above, upon and below the earth that tend to make the reader cringe just a bit now and then.    Really good read.

A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin                 Audio Book:  34 hours    Paperback Book:  976 pages       

I do so love George R. R. Martins writing.    I cannot get enough of The Game of Thrones series.    This book while wonderful felt a bit rushed.   I got the feeling all the way through that the writer felt the push to produce and I feel the story here while excellent, still could have been better.    Some of the stories seemed way rushed though honestly still good, just somehow not as complete as they seemed to need to be.    I applaud his efforts, the stories are wonderful, but, I can’t shake that feeling that so much was left unsaid, perhaps I got spoiled by the previous books that went on look sweet dreams.    These glimpses into what was transpiring seemed to be clipped as though he just wanted to get it over with.    I didn’t feel the love he exuberated in previous tomes.   This one left me feeling as though the writer was tired and just wanted to get his editors off his back or maybe he was just exhausted and didn’t have as much to say.   Read it and see if you don’t get that vibe, too.   Having said all that, I still liked the story, some of the new characters not as much but again, I feel that was because there just felt like there was more story to tell, but, he didn’t.    I still give it 5 out of 5 stars.    I was intrigued that the storyline here various some from the t.v. series which keeps it ever so interesting.    I like that.     This book is like craving a steak, salivating over it then when you get it there is a bite out of it.    It’s still steak and still good, but, there is something missing that should be there.    Less meat here on the characters we love and more on the not so loveable ones.   And that rising from the dead thing- oh wait- I’ll let you find out about that. 

A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords  by George R. R. Martin              Audio Book:  46 hours, 48 minutes      Paperback Book: 1,216 pages      

Book 3 in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.   OMGosh!   I am so addicted to this series.   There is so much going on in book 3 your mouth will drop open!    My favorite characters are all up to so much in this story it is unreal!   If you are a fan of the series you will LOVE this book.   Some folks get their just desserts in ways that are so deliciously vengeful you will yell YES!   George R.R. Martin literally charms you with the way he delivers his tales of knights and ladies, kings and queens and the battle to be the one ruler of the seven kingdoms.    I am blown away by how he will kill any character at any time and the reader will never see it coming.    His characters are so real and he paints such in depth word pictures that it is like you are standing there among them.    I actually get chilled when I am reading about the happenings with John Snow at the wall.  Mr. Martin’s words make such vivid mental pictures that he can make you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin after a drenching rain or douse in a river he has just described happening to one of the characters.    The way he describes in such detail the smells of meat cooking or a person who hasn’t paid attention to his/her hygiene or a body decomposing, that the reader actually gets a sense of that.   I have wrinkled my nose right along with the people attending funerals in the book and how one group carry roses with them from the bouquets they leave to cover the putrid smell of the rotting corpse.    You get that sense memory of the smell of a rose.   It’s amazing.     When he talks about the ice for an instant you do feel that cold or the cold metallic feel of the blade of a sword he is describing.   This series of books is like being in sensor round.    It is not just a read, but, akin to a virtual reality experience, only you see it in your mind without the need for special goggles.     I would love to go into all the things that happen, but, I don’t want to give it away, however,  you will be awe struck I promise you by the things that happen to all the main characters and the changes that come over some of the characters as they adapt to their situations.   I hope George R.R. Martin continues writing about the seven kingdoms for the rest of his days that is how long I want to continue hearing about the lives of all these larger than life people who have become so much a part of my reading.    I think Mr. Martin has put a mesmerizing spell on his books because I seriously cannot get enough of them.    He is the Garrison Keillor of the Seven Kingdoms bringing all of us readers who are hungry for more news on our favorite people and creatures the scoop on life in the Seven Kingdoms and who is where in the Game of Thrones.    I LOVE IT!!!!!

Incryptid Series

Discount Armageddon, Midnight Blue-light Special, Half-Off Ragnarok, Pocket Apocalypse, and Chaos Choreography by Seanan McGuire, 1766 pages total


So I tried to write a good summary of this series half a dozen times and could never quite get the right wording and vagueness that would compel an interested party to read further, but yet not spoil any of the books. Lacking the words I needed I went to Seanan's website for guidance, or in this case a nice neat summary.
"Cryptid, noun:

1. Any creature whose existence has been suggested but not proven scientifically. Term officially coined by cryptozoologist John E. Wall in 1983.

2. That thing that's getting ready to eat your head.

3. See also: "monster."

The Covenant of St. George was founded to uphold one simple ideal: anything that was not present on the Ark—anything they deemed "unnatural"—needed to be destroyed. Monsters. Creatures of myth and legend. All of them would be wiped from the Earth in the name of Man's dominion. Unfortunately for them, not all the monsters agreed with this plan...and neither did all the human beings.

After their rather abrupt departure from the Covenant, Alexander and Enid Healy found themselves alone in the world, but with a simple mission of their own: to protect the cryptids of the world from those who would harm them without just cause. It was a cause that would eventually claim both their lives, leaving their children, and their childrens' children, to take up the fight. Now in the modern day, their descendants struggle to stay beneath the Covenant's radar, while defending the cryptids from humanity—and humanity from the cryptids."

Thanks Seanan. 

Unlike most series this one is divided up between two different, but related main characters, siblings Verity and Alex. For books 1, 2 and 5 you will be with the ballroom dance loving Verity, and for books 3 and 4 with the reptile loving Alex. Since I am more into reptiles then ballroom dancing, I found Alex's books far more interesting. It could also be his actual love for being a cryptozoologist, unlike his sister who treated it like a day job. No matter which sibling the reader is with, there is plenty of danger, excitement, and weirdness. 

My final recommendation: This series is well worth the read, if nothing else for the cryptid world that Seanan weaves, that and the talking mice. Yes, talking mice, and they are awesome. 

Gilded Cage

Gilded Cage by Vic James    (Dark Gifts, #1)       368 pages

"Our world belongs to the Equals — aristocrats with magical gifts — and all commoners must serve them for ten years. But behind the gates of England's grandest estate lies a power that could break the world." 

Abi, a servant to England's most powerful family, is able to get almost of her family working on the same estate. It's hard work, but at least they're in a safe place.  Right?  Her brother, Luke, is enslaved in a brutal factory town, and when he starts to make some friends, discovers that there may be a greater power than magic: revolution.

I just finished this book and honestly, sometimes felt like I was re-reading The Red Queen.  The overall theme of a cruel, aristocratic class ruling over the larger, lower class was similar. The fact that the aristocrats have magic (but wait, maybe some of the lower class do, too!) was similar.  The writing style was also similar at times.   Both books are the first in a trilogy.

Maybe that's why, when I finished, I just wanted to read something completely different.  I think it's interesting that this book is for adults, while Red Queen is aimed at young adults; they both read like young adult fiction.  I think if I had read each book farther apart in time, I might have enjoyed this one a bit more.

A Clash of Kings

A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin                       Audio Book 37 hours and 18 minutes      Hardback Book:  768 pages                 

The second book in the Song of Fire and Ice series.     This book was just as magnificent as the first.    Wow!   What a great series.   I cannot get enough of it.    I am Jonesing for the next book already and I have only just finished this one.   The story continues with Dany’s dragons getting a little bigger and learning how to use their fire power to protect their Mom, Tyrion a true and just leader shows  his courage and rallies the troops in battle.   I love his wit and he is certainly my favorite male character in the series.    I would that he were made king.     Dany being my favorite female character.    Arya is a close second, I admire her skills with a sword and her feistiness.    I truly like Sansa, too, though she went down in my esteem when she didn’t tell the truth about King Joffrey attacking her sister’s friend and ended up costing her wolf her life in the first book.      I was mad at Sansa for a long time and felt the mean things that happen to her now are retribution.  The Stark children are so spread out and I feel so sorry for all of them and I include John Snow in the Stark children.   Life is so hard and George R.R. Martin captures all of the hardship in life in each of his characters because no one in his story is insulated from despair even the “Kings” all have their own hardships as well.   A blend of history, magic, sorcery, strength and great characters in a story you will come away feeling like you lived it too from the writer’s vivid descriptions.   George R.R. Martin has created a world so real you will come away feeling the cold of the Wall, the horror of the savagery and the gallantry of the spirit of those fighting for right in a world of upheaval.    Describing this series in one word as I said at the beginning of this blog – magnificent.   

The Black Jewels Trilogy

The Black Jewels Trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, Queen of the Darkness (The Black Jewels #1-3)  by Anne Bishop  1204 pages

The Black Jewels trilogy takes place in a world where some people and animals have magical powers, depending on the color of the Jewel they wear. The Dark Kingdom is preparing itself for the arrival of a new Queen, a Witch who is the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy and who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell.  However, this new Queen is quite young and vulnerable to influence and corruption.  When three sworn enemies start a ruthless game of intrigue, politics and betrayal, the destiny of an entire world is at stake.

The first book in the series introduces Jaenelle, who is Witch (or Dreams Made Flesh).  She holds an immense amount of power (which she's pretty unaware of) and has a charming, open personality that endears her to those she encounters. However, because she has this power, she is in danger; however, she is also quite dangerous.  This first book lines up some of the characters who are integral to the entire trilogy and the next two books take Jaenelle through her teen years and into adulthood, with the danger building to a climax at the end of the third book.

If there's a silver lining to the bad cold I've been suffering through for a few days, it's that when I get up in the middle of the night, I have some prime reading time.  I've read these books before (and own them) and it was nice to revisit the stories again.  These are what I call "light fantasy fiction,." although readers should be forewarned that there are descriptions of sex and violence in this book (especially since sex ties into power in the world of the Jewels). While the author's writing style sometimes rubs me a bit the wrong way (for example, she uses the same descriptive terms over and over again), I like the world and magic system she creates here, and I like some of the characters.  I also like that there aren't happy endings for all of the characters, which makes the story a little more realistic.  Bishop clearly defines the Jewel system and has an explanation of the different societal levels in each book, so it's easy to get the hang of things right away.