Rebel Belle

Rebel Belle
by Rachel Hawkins

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. (Description from Goodreads.com) 

I had been so utterly excited for this book.  I loved Rachel Hawkins other series, Hex Hall.  She writes great snappy, funny dialogue and the storylines were great.  I had expected to LOVE this book.  Sadly, while I enjoyed parts of it, I found that this particular book just didn't hold my interest.  

The beginning was great.  I loved the set up and in the beginning I really liked Harper's character.  As the story went on, I also really enjoyed the introduction of the other characters.  Especially David.  I think that Hawkins is a super talented author at creating funny, realistic dialogue.  In fact, I would read a whole contemporary romance book just based around conversations if Hawkins wrote it! 

So, what didn't work for me?  I think that it was the whole mix of Southern culture and supernatural abilities/secret society/apocalypse stuff.  I just wanted it really to be one or the other.  I was so disappointed to have to admit that I just didn't care about the whole reason that Harper's life suddenly does a 180!  Until the twist at the end with the prophetic dream foretelling someone very important's death...and then I cared for a heartbeat.  Will I read the sequel?  Probably not....but if Hawkins writes another Hex Hall book or starts a new series you can bet your little tushie that I'll be reading it ASAP! 

Full disclosure: Book borrowed from my Library

Blog Tour - The Cadet of Tildor

 

Today, I am very excited to be posting a review as part of the Cadet of Tildor blog tour through AToMR tours! Some of you may have noticed that I've been a little obsessed with this book...having already posted an Anxiously Awaiting... about Cadet, the book trailer reveal, and then as one of the Tildor Heralds (Alex's street team for the book), I created and oversaw the book's online scavenger hunt in November!  Now, with the book coming out later this week, I'm so happy to finally be able to post a review and tell you what I thought of the actual book!!

 

The Cadet of Tildor

by Alex Lidell

 

Publication date: January 10, 2013

 

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown’s inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right.

 

Reminiscent of my all-time favorite author, Tamora Pierce, Alex Lidell's debut book is a story of a young woman determined to make a difference in the world.  To do so, Renee refuses to let her father buy her a post in the kingdom's guards (as most nobles would have done) and decides to enter the Academy of Tildor to train among the country's elite regardless of social/economic standing, and to become a Servant to the Crown. 

 

Struggling to compete with boys who are bigger and stronger, Renee finds herself on probation, with the possibility of being asked to leave the Academy.  With a father who does not support her life decision, the Academy is the only place that Renee truly feels at home and she cannot bear to leave it and her close friends, Sasha and Alec. Even when she returns for her final year at the Academy and finds herself clashing with her new instructor, the enigmatic Commander Savoy, legend and reluctant teacher, Renee refuses to give up her life and her pursuit of justice.

 

Set in a medieval style world, I found Lidell's setting for the book to be fascinating.  Not only does Renee want to help protect her kingdom, especially as a very young ruler has just taken over and assassination attempts seem to be piling up around them, but she is also coming into contact with members of both the Vipers (a drug cartel style family run by a matriarch) and the Family (the mafia like group that extorts people for protection, etc.).  Add to that political boiling pot the existence of mages, strictly controlled by the government, and you have a world full of unrest and potential disaster.

 

With a main character who has a strict sense of morality, a firm belief in justice, and unwavering loyalty to her friends, The Cadet of Tildor will most definitely appeal to fans of Tamora Pierce's books.  The political unrest and intrigue will appeal to fans of Meghan Whalen Turner. The blend of a medieval setting and fantasy elements will appeal to fans of Sarah J. Maas.  I would personally recommend this book to just about anyone.  It has swordplay, betrayals, BIG secrets, friendships, parties, dancing, and even kissing...but not too much kissing. 

 

This book right now is a stand-alone, but Lidell left just enough open that there could be *at least* one more book about Renee...in fact, I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I would love to see her take on the world! (Hear that, Penguin?  I vote, YES!, on another book!!!)

 

Don't forget to check out the blog tour schedule over at AToMR tours to get more of the scoop on The Cadet of Tildor and to enter the author's giveaway!!

 

You can also find out more information about the author, Alex Lidell, on her website or stalk, I mean follow her like I do on twitter @alexlidell. 

 

Full disclosure: eARC received through NetGalley as part of the blog tour



Mastiff

Mastiff
by Tamora Pierce
The Legend of Beka Cooper, book three

Beka and her friends will face their greatest and most important challenge ever when the young heir to the kingdom vanishes. They will be sent out of Corus on a trail that appears and disappears, following a twisting road throughout Tortall. It will be her greatest Hunt—if she can survive the very powerful people who do not want her to succeed in her goal. (description from author's website)

Picking up three years after Bloodhound, Beka embarks on her most important case, yet. She and Achoo must truly prove that they are the best scent team in Tortall to find the heir to the throne. In their search, they uncover the many pitfalls the kingdom faces by allowing the slave trade to run through it's borders.

I find Beka's cases fascinating. It's like reading about medieval policework and it's sooooo intriguing. Some readers complain about the style of this series - that it's written in journal form, that it jumps too quickly on the timeline, with years passing between books. This is one of the best features of this series for me.

Tamora Pierce has created one of her strongest characters yet. Beka is tough, she is dedicated, and she is defined by her job. That's why it doesn't matter how much time has passed between books. We only see the most important parts of Beka's life. Her big cases. The moments that define her life. What happens day to day doesn't affect her truly, it's the big moments that make her who she is.

Without letting you know all the secrets in this book (you'll have to read it for yourself, lol!), there is a romance that develops. It is sweet and believable. That is another thing that makes Tamora Pierce my favorite author. She creates strong female characters and they never have to compromise for love. The men in their lives love them for who they really are...they accept them wholly and do not ask them to change. They become the strongest pairs and their love lasts because they are truly meant for each other.

Finally, (I know, enough gushing!!) I just want to mention that my favorite book of ALL TIME is Tamora Pierce's, Alanna: The First Adventure. Immediately upon finishing this title, I did something I hardly ever have time to do anymore. I spent an entire afternoon rereading my beloved Alanna series. Though I have shelves of unread books, this particular one inspired me to immediately rip into my old favorites. It was blissful. :)

If you love strong female characters, are fascinated by police cases, and like a touch of fantasy, you would do well to check out this series by Tamora Pierce.