Nymph by Francesca Lia Block

Nymph by Francesca Lia Block

Rating: R; 3 1/2 stars

Summary: Nymph was simultaneously similar two and completely different from the rest of Francesca Lia Block's work. This short book is a series of connected erotic short stories. These stories are definitely far more explicit than most of the rest of Block's work, but that doesn't mean they don't contain the spark that makes her writing so memorable. As in her other books, Nymph is rife with the rhythm and life of LA. The stories contain that mix of fantasy and reality that Block is known for.

Opinions: So somehow I missed that memo that this book was erotica. That's neither good nor bad, just an oversight on my part. Since most of what I review is suitable for a young adult audience, readers should be aware that this may not be. I say “may,” because I believe that there really isn't an age limit on books.

That being said, I was very pleasantly surprised with the priority that the actual story took in these pieces. In my (admittedly rather limited) experience with erotica, the story and characters often take a backseat to the sex. This definitely isn't the case here. These stories are woven as deftly as any work of Block's, and the language, characters, and plot are quite obviously one of her priorities.

My favorite story is the first one. I love the idea of it, and I think it was executed perfectly. Although I didn't like some of the stories as much as “Mer,” they all had something to them that I enjoyed. I wish they had been a little more connected, since they were advertised as connected, but sometimes the subtleties and unexpected connections were refreshing. I'm thinking specifically of the connection between “Mer” and “Spirit,” which is probably my second favorite story.

Obviously, I've rated this book R for being sexually explicit. There's no violence, as far as I can recall. I also don't recall any explicit language used outside of sex. I gave it a 3.5 because as interesting and well-written as these stories were, I didn't find a lot of reread value in them. I can't say why, but that's unfortunately the way I feel. I also think that in some ways some of the stories were limited by their erotic nature—the stories were all very short, and I think Block could have done some really wonderful things with them had there not been so much sex. However, as erotica, these are by far the best stories I've ever read—who said literature couldn't be sexy? I'm also aware that I may be biased because I didn't realize this book was erotic in the first place.

Readers of erotica will love the quality of writing in these stories. Readers of Block's other books may find their genre preference expanded after reading this book.

I purchased a physical copy of this book for my mother, and I was also given a complimentary ebook by the publisher for review.

Owly Volume One by Andy Runton

Owly, Volume 1: The Way Home and the Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton

Rating: G; 3 1/2 stars

Summary: The Owly comics are books about an adorable owl and his best friend/roommate Wormy. Volume one includes a story about how Owly and Wormy meet, as well as an enjoyable summer spent with two hummingbirds.

Opinions: I don't know what it is, but I've been reading a lot more children's books lately. I mean, I normally read YA, but now I'm reading picture books and things of that nature. I suppose part of it can be attributed to my Children's Lit class...but I feel like that isn't all of it. In any case...

The Owly comics are unique among other comic books/graphic novels that I've read, based solely on the fact that there are no words in them (other than the occasional onomatopoeia or exclamation). The stories are told simply (as is necessary, in a story with no words), but that doesn't mean they aren't clever. I personally found them absolutely adorable. There's something so charming about Owly's simple naivete. In my experience with other Owly volumes, he's even adorable when he's sad, and no matter the situation, Owly is one of those books that will make you happier.

That being said, the format and style has its limitations. I can see someone not liking the Owly books simply because Owly is so relentlessly optimistic. Although it's enjoyable, it isn't very realistic. In the book's defense, though, I would laugh at anyone who said that Owly was supposed to be realistic. It would be like if someone argued that Calvin and Hobbes is supposed to be realistic. Some things aren't.

This book is also an incredibly quick read, and although that's sometimes nice, it can leave the reader with some slight dissatisfaction at the end. But I suppose that's an innate limitation of the comic form. Sometimes they are going be a bit too brief.

In general, I really enjoyed Owly, but the limits of the form are causing me to lower the rating just a wee bit. I spent an lovely half hour or so reading this, but I don't think it'll rank in my top ten for the year. There was absolutely nothing inappropriate or objectionable in this book. It may be a great book to read with a child who likes telling you how the story “really” goes.

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Ratings: PG-13; 3 1/2 stars

Summary: Emerson Cole sees ghosts. Sort of. Turns out they're actually rips—bits of the past washing through into the present. Which means that Emerson isn't nearly as crazy as she thought she was. How does she know all this? Her brother hired someone from the Hourglass agency to explain her powers to her. The problem? He's totally hot and nice, and totally off-limits. So now Emerson isn't crazy, she's just crazy in love. Oh, and she can time travel. Just what you need when you're 17 and still coping with the loss of your parents. Yup, totally normal. Not.

Opinions: This book is rather odd, for me. It's the first book I've read in a long time where I truly didn't know what I thought of it for the majority of the book. Certainly, the concept is intriguing and unique. I've read plenty of ghost stories, but none about “rips.” Time travel was definitely not something I saw coming. But at the same time, the writing was quite flawed, and the book seemed to give off distinctive Twilight vibes. And even on those last two points, I'm torn. A book does not have to be a magnificent literary achievement to be enjoyed, and as much hate as Twilight gets, people do enjoy it for the fluff that it is (they are just overshadowed by the twi-hards).

So yeah, I'm of mixed opinions on this book. Conceptually, it was great. The paranormal elements were different. The relationships between the characters, while certainly not unique, were not nearly as common as some. Example: the orphan angle is done a lot. The orphan-raised-by-adult-sibling-and-spouse angle is not common at all. In general, Hourglass is your run-of-the-mill paranormal romance.

However, my opinion on this book changed drastically at the very end. There were no less than three slap-you-in-the-face plot twists in the last twenty pages. These were so dramatic that I found my jaw dropping, and I wound up yelling at the book. They were also well-done enough as to fit in with the plot and characterization and not stand out awkwardly like “Hey! I'm a plot twist!” I'm sure none of that makes sense. In any case, I consider it to be a very positive quality when a book makes me react emotionally, and holding in tears while eating lunch in the school cafeteria is definitely an emotional response.

If only the last 20 pages of a book could make up for a rather mediocre beginning, this book would be at least a four. However, in my opinion, they can't. They did bring the overall rating of the book up from my original opinion of 3 stars, so yay for that. I rated Hourglass PG-13 to be on the safe side. There are a lot of rather frightening images/scenes/concepts (whatever you want to call it in a book). There are also some unintentional (I think) sexual innuendos. I don't remember much swearing, but again, that doesn't mean that there wasn't any.

Overall, if you want a fluffy, paranormal romance with mystery elements, this is a very good read. It's a little slow to pick up, and the characters can be rather bone-headed at times, but it really is an enjoyable book.

Note: My apologies if this review doesn't read well. I was a little off my game in writing it, but I do like my reactions to books to be genuine (thus written as close to the time I read the book as possible).

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky

Rating: R; 3 1/2 stars

Summary: Keek is going through the biggest change in her life: parents splitting up, massive fight with her boyfriend, best friend betraying her. And on top of it all, she has the chicken pox. And she's stuck at her grandmother's internet-free house while her mom is out of state with Keek's aunt, who just had a baby very prematurely. So yeah, Keek's life sucks. But you know what, she's determined to work through it. With the help of an ancient typewriter borrowed from her grandmother and the immortal words of Sylvia Plath, Keek will emerge from the summer as a stronger person.

Opinions: To start off, you know a book has a unique voice when you start to write the review in that voice. Often, as I'm reading, I start to “write” the review in my head. If it's convenient for me to start actually writing it down then, I do. Otherwise, it sits in my head for another time. So while reading this book, my head was filled with snippets from how I would review it, all done in Keek's snarky, fresh voice. I didn't even realize this at first, but then I realized that it was quite a feat: the voice was so different and memorable that I integrated it into my own writing without realizing it. Kudos to the author on voice.

As a note of warning, I don't typically read books in this genre (contemporary YA). In general, I prefer to read things set in times-that-were or worlds-that-aren't. That isn't to say I don't like contemporary YA; if I had time to read everything in the world, I would. I just generally reach for something else first. However, when I found out about this book, I immediately wanted it. This is mostly for three reasons. First, Keek is a writer. In my opinion, there are too few books about teen writers. This is a shame, since my guess is that the vast majority of teen writers are also teen readers. We're missing out on a valuable opportunity here! Second, Sylvia Plath is a pretty major part of the novel. I really like Plath's poetry. I'll admit that I haven't read it all, nor do I know individual pieces by title, but what I've read, I like. And she's not an element of much YA at all. Finally, I thought the premise behind this novel was really interesting. The entire novel takes place while Keek has the chicken pox and can do nothing but lie in bed with a typewriter on her lap. It's such a brilliant, self-contained idea with so much potential. And I'm happy to say that it really lived up to that potential.

The characters in this book were so unique and quirky and well-developed. Voice, again, is a huge part of this. But it certainly isn't the only part. Take, for example, Keek's grandma. I expected Keek's grandma to be a really bitter old lady—no technology and all, but she really, totally wasn't. Which is amazing, because the bitter old person stereotype is way too overdone. Instead, Keek's gram was a snarky, wise old lady. She weathered Keek's emotional storms with the non-judgmental finesse of someone who has been there before. She was probably one of my favorite characters in the book.

There were other quirks, too, that really drew me to the book. Keek has a habit of saying “sofa king” instead of “so f*****g,” which, in my opinion, is really clever. The first few times, I did wonder if it was a typo, but then it's explained in the context of the story, so it's all good.

I will say that this book has quite a bit of swearing (sofa kings included), and also some sexual content. That's why I rated it R. But please don't let that deter you; this really is an awesome book. It's not the best I've read, but for an end-of-summer book, it's perfectly fluffy, and not quite as light as it seems like it'll be. Keek learns some hard truths through the course of the novel.

In short, this is an awesome little book that should be read. It isn't for everyone, but neither is the fantasy that I typically read (and review).

Touch of a Thief by Mia Marlowe

Rating: R; 3 1/2 stars

Summary: Lady Viola Preston is odd for a jewel thief on multiple counts. First, she's female, and titled at that! Second, when Viola touches a gem, she hears it speaking to her. If she lets herself, jewels draw her into visions of what has happened in their history. As interesting a gift as this is, it is also rather painful. After all, admitting to such a thing in Victorian England could find Viola committed.

Greydon Quinn's problems are more of a political nature. After spending time in India, he is trying to stop a dangerous rebellion from some unhappy Indians. His method? Locating a priceless jewel that was stolen from an Indian temple and returning it to its rightful resting place. Lucky for Quinn, he has Viola Preston by his side. Of course, no one said that trying to steal a gem like this was simple, and he hadn't counted on the Mayfair Jewel Thief to be female!

Opinions: I checked out this book because of the interesting premise. I knew that it was a romance novel, but I hoped (somewhat naively, I might add) that it wouldn't be an explicit romance novel. I was wrong, very wrong. This novel isn't as graphic as some, but it is definitely, well, steamy. That being said, it was the plot and characters that had me going through this book so quickly. I read close to half of it in one sitting, and finished the whole book in like 2 1/2 days.

The concept of being able to “hear” gems simply by touching them intrigued me. This isn't an ability that is common; I certainly haven't read another book that so much as mentioned it. Considering a great deal of what I read is fantasy (or at least, stories with fantastic elements), it is rare that I come across something that I really haven't seen before. This was one of those things. So concept is what brought me to the book, what got me to start reading. But, what kept me reading was definitely the plot and characters.

The plot had a sufficient amount of mystery to keep me guessing at what would happen. The mystery didn't overwhelm the definitely-romance feel of the book, but it did make me feel like I was reading more than just a love story, something with a little bit more meat. I also have to admit my love for/obsession with India was a key selling point for me. Although most of the novel did not take place in India, the entire work was touched with just a bit of India. And it was wonderful.

I also really liked the characters. I felt like they were well-developed; they all had their secrets and motivations. I also liked how all the characters played off each other, especially the main two, Viola and Quinn. Their dynamic was just really interesting, and it was fun to watch it develop. They had several misunderstandings, that I've come to understand are staples of romance, but not so many that it felt like a rom-com (I hate romantic comedies. My reaction to them is “Argh, why won't you just own up to your feelings and tell the truth!). For the most part, everything felt realistic to the time-frame. I mean, it's a romance, so certain...familiarities were played with much sooner than would happen in real life (I hope...), but nothing was so ridiculous that I was unable to suspend disbelief.

In general, this was a very light read (as romances often are). It's a perfect beach read, although now that summer is ending, maybe it's better suited for overstressed college students. :) This is definitely for an older crowd—there are definitely books out there that are more sexually explicit, but this is far more than YA-explicitness. Still, this is an enjoyable book for anyone that is partial to romances, historical fiction, or fantasy. In my opinion, those that read adult historical fiction and fantasy will see nothing out of the ordinary in the sexual content, but others may disagree.

Cloaked in Red by Vivian Vande Velde

Cloaked in Red by Vivian Vande Velvde

Rating: PG; 3 ½ stars

Summary: Cloaked in Red is a collection of short stories that retell the classic fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood.” All the stories were written by Vande Velde. There's not much to summarize other than that, without giving too much away. The introduction to the collection goes into a bit of detail about how the collection came about, including examining exactly how ridiculous the original story is, even by fairy tale standards. Other than that, the stories are really all just variations on the original tale.

Opinions: Which isn't to say I didn't like them. As is often the case with short fiction collections, not all the pieces were stand-out amazing. However, I did think that they all twisted the original story very well. I enjoyed the humor in each piece and the variety of characters. I have to say that my two favorite stories in the book are “Granny and the Wolf” and “Deems the Wood Gatherer.” I also enjoyed “Little Red Headache.” I liked that the stories weren't the “typical” retelling which, in my experience, retells the story, but with the same protagonist as the original (example: Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine). Instead, these stories had a variety of protagonists: the grandmother, the wolf, Red, the wood-cutter. Characters from other stories even have a couple of cameos, as well as the Brothers Grimm, themselves.

One of the things that makes this collection so great is its sense of humor. Vande Velde managed to find humor in some really weird places, and it hits the mark pretty much every time (I'd say all the time, but I don't like using definite articles unless I'm 100% certain). And even when the stories aren't outright funny, there's just this tongue-in-cheek tone that makes me believe Vande Velde had a great time writing this.

Now of course, I did only give this book 3 ½ stars, so obviously it wasn't perfect. One of the things that lowered its rating was the fact that not all the stories were enjoyable, at least to me. And in a collection of stories that barely over a hundred pages, every story needs to count for something. The other thing I really didn't like about this book is more of a formatting thing: each story has a little illustration alongside the title. Now, this is a good idea conceptually, but I found that most of the illustrations were really generic, like someone Google searched for stock photos. Some of them are better than others, but in general they were just annoying. The book rated a PG because while there wasn't anything really objectionable, the nature of any sort of closer look at “Little Red Riding Hood” merits more than a G rating.

This book is a really quick read, so if you have an afternoon to spare, it's probably worth your time. Some of the stories weren't to my taste, but that doesn't mean that everyone shares that opinion. The writing is sound, and the characters are well-developed. It just wasn't as much of my cup of tea as I had hoped.

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

Bright Young Things

by Anna Godbersen

Rating: PG-13; 3 ½ stars

Summary: Cordelia Grey and Letty Larkspur are leaving boring Union, Ohio for the glitz and glam of New York City in 1929. Astrid Dolan is already living a life of ease in NYC, and is in no great hurry to leave it. Once in New York, Cordelia sets off to seek her long-lost father, and winds up befriending Astrid in the process. Letty seeks for fame on the stage. Before the end of that summer, all three girls will find themselves in over their heads and in need of each other more than ever.

Opinions: First of all, the writing in this book is really well done. Godbersen has quite a bit of skill in crafting beautiful sentences. I just wish that could have carried more into the plot. Now, don't get me wrong—I really did enjoy this book, but it was almost more of a guilty pleasure. Everything seemed to come too easily for the thee main characters. SPOILER: The day they arrive in New York, Cordelia finds her father, who it turns out is a fabulously wealthy bootlegger. END SPOILER That being said, I found the book really hard to put down by the end. The book really drew me into the time period, although I have always felt like I was a flapper in a former life. :) I enjoyed the nods to Romeo and Juliet, as well as the possible nods to The Great Gatsby. I really wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book anyone who wants a light read, and I would really recommend it as a good beach read. But, for the reader looking for more substance, this isn't really the book. It has its moments, but I just found a lot of the plot to be really convenient, from a writer's perspective.

I have a feeling that this book is part of a series, or will at least have a sequel. This is partly due to something from the prologue that is never wrapped up, and also partly due to the note the book ended on. It didn't have the finality I was looking for, although perhaps that's what Godbersen was aiming for. It's possible that there is no sequel or series, and Godbersen just wanted an open-ended, unsatisfying ending. The nature of the book is such that it could go either way.

I gave this book 3 ½ stars, because although I really enjoyed it, I couldn't get over the ease with which her characters arrived at their circumstances. Though it definitely didn't stop me from reading, the convenience of it all bothered me. As for PG-13, I'd say this is a light PG-13. It has no swearing that I can recall, but there is some sexual content. It's nothing graphic, but characters are having sex, and the reader is aware of it. There is also some violence towards the end.

In general, this was an enjoyable book. It has its weaknesses, but nothing so glaring that the book can't be enjoyed anyway, particularly by someone who is just looking for a light read.

Textual Healing by Eric Smith

Textual Healing

by Eric Smith

Rating: R; 3 ½ stars

Summary: Andrew “Ace” Connor is struggling with life. His former best-seller is now in the clearance bin, his girlfriend is gone, and he hasn't been able to write in over 3 years. However, he does have friends on his side. His best friend, Brian, sets Ace up with his wife's cousin, Hannah. His writer neighbor convinces him to join a writer's group...that just happens to end up being a support group for writers who find themselves unable to write. Ok, so maybe that was a bit of a low move. But still, it was designed to help. And of course, Andrew still has to manage his bookstore, which includes dealing with the shop owner next door, mysterious ninja Brave Orchid. Despite all the issues, Andrew will strive to repair and create relationships and maybe, just maybe, get a little writing done.

Opinions: Regardless of how much I enjoyed this novel, here's a warning to readers: it's in need of some copy-edits. There's nothing major. It changes tenses every so often, once or twice the wrong “there” is used. I also noticed some really nit-picky visual things, but I'll keep those to myself. Still, if you're one to be irritated by such things, you'll definitely notice it.

It took me awhile to get into this book. Because of where the book picks up in Andrew's life, the beginning has a lot of whining in it. It also takes awhile for the book to get to character development. But, the second half really pulls its weight. The characters really start to develop; the plot really starts to unfold. In short, the book becomes much more enjoyable. I truly found myself laughing aloud at several points. The various romantic couples were absolutely adorable. At the climax, I nearly found myself in tears, and just pages after that, my jaw had dropped of its own accord.

So, ratings. The book is rated R solely for language. I do believe that movie ratings allow for one f*** in a PG-13 movie. This book had substantially more than that. However, if it weren't for the language, this would definitely be PG-13. There is some sexual content, but none of it is explicit. The 3 ½ stars is due to the fact that although the second half of the book is very enjoyable, a lot of readers won't ever get to it if they can't get through the first half. Also, until the book picks up, some of the copy-edit things are really distracting.

This book isn't a perfect book. However, there are a lot of really wonderful moments in the second half that I can't really specify for fear of spoiling the plot. So I guess my main consensus is that if you can through the first half of the book, the second half is a very enjoyable experience. I will be recommending this book to some close friends of mine.

This book was sent to me for review by the author.

Top Ten Books of 2009

Top Ten Books of 2009

So I know it's been a looooooooong time since I updated, and I'm trying desperately to get caught up on my reviews. As it is, I'm way behind on my reading for 2010. In the meantime, I thought I'd post a list of my top ten reads of 2009. Not all of these were published last year, but I did read them all last year. I also haven't written reviews for many of them (most of them, actually), but I do intend to. So for now, here's the list. With any luck, I'll get an actual review up with the next week or so. Spring break is next week, so I should have plenty of time for both reading and writing.

All of the top ten are young adult fiction.

10. General Winston's Daughter, by Sharon Shinn. Rating: PG; 3 ½ stars

This book was an excellent social commentary dressed as a fantasy novel. Not what I expected, but quite enjoyable.

9. The Explosionist, by Jenny Davidson. Rating: PG; 3 ½ stars

I didn't realize when I picked up this book that it was an alternate history book. It was a very interesting premise that kept me hooked through to the end. Well-written.

8. Prophecy of the Sisters, by Michelle Zink. Rating: PG-13; 4 stars

As I said in my review, I didn't realize this was historical fiction until I started reading it. This was a very enjoyable, chilling book that cured my fix for more Victorian paranormal fiction (I swear, it'll become a genre some day!)

7. Wondrous Strange, by Lesley Livingston. Rating: PG-13; 4 stars

This book reminded me a lot of Tithe, by Holly Black, and I liked it just as much! The characters and story were lively and intriguing, while still following the traditional legends of fairies.

6. In the Name of God, by Paula Jolin. Rating: PG; 4 ½ stars

This book was really intriguing and thought-provoking, and I loved every page of it! It isn't a light-hearted read, but it gives a balanced view on the other side of religious extremism.

5. A Northern Light, by Jennifer Donnelly. Rating: PG; 4 ½ stars

I loved the characters in this book, and I thought is was really cool that it was written as a sort of companion to An American Tragedy. It made me really want to read Tragedy.

4. The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by Carrie Ryan. Rating: PG-13; 4 ½ stars

This book was so gripping! I read it all in one sitting and spent half of that sitting in tears! It was just an excellent book.

3. The Fattening Hut, but Pat Lowry Collins. Rating: PG-13; 5 stars

The Fattening Hut is one of my favorite books. I generally make a point of reading it once a year. I think the premise is fascinating, and the book draws attention to a terrible practice often considered taboo to talk about.

2. Psyche in a Dress, by Francesca Lia Block. Rating: PG-13; 5 stars

This is another book I read pretty much in one sitting, not that that took much; the book is pretty short. I absolutely loved the sheer poetry of this book. I think Francesca Lia Block is an amazing writer, and this is the book that turned me on to her writing.

1. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore. Rating: PG-13; 5 stars

I'll admit it: part of the reason I picked up this book was because it had my name in the title. That and the sword on the cover really drew me in. Still, I am so glad I picked it up. True, this book isn't as literary as some of my other top ten picks, but it is definitely my favorite book of the past year. I love the characters, love the story, just love everything about it! If you haven't read this, you really need to!

Runners-up:

(in no particular order)

The Nature of Monsters, by Clare Clark (MATURE CONTENT)

Castle Waiting, by Linda Medley (graphic novel)

God Went to Beauty School, by Cynthia Rylant (poetry)

Weetzie Bat, by Francesca Lia Block (young adult fiction)

Two Girls of Gettysburg, by Lisa Klein (young adult fiction)

The Amaranth Enchantment, by Julie Berry (young adult fiction)

Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov (MATURE CONTENT)

The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss (adult fiction)

Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri (adult fiction/short stories)

And yes, I really could only limit my top books of the year to nineteen. Sorry.

General Winston's Daughter by Sharon Shinn

General Winston's Daughter by Sharon Shinn

Rating: PG; 3 1/2 stars

Summary: Averie Winston is a rebellious, reluctant heiress in the manner of all rebellious ladies of privilege in the literary world (only one that comes to mind at the moment is Gemma Doyle and co.). She may live in an invented world, but her character and customs calls to mind the past when girls had to have a waist as big around as their age in years and (God forbid!) if they showed the world an ankle whilst crossing the street, they were ruined.

Averie's country is an imperial giant, and the beginning of the book sees her travelling overseas to the colony where her father and fiance are stationed. When she arrives in the new land, Averie is eager to see it from the citizen's perspective, if only her father and chaperone would let her! Not to worry though, for they soon relent. On Averie's travels through the city, she meets a merchant girl named Jalessa. When a rebel bomb goes off and Jalessa's wares are ruined, Averie generously offers for the woman to be her maid.

Opinions: I thought the idea behind this book was wonderful. It shows imperialism in a non-blaming point of view (after all, the countries present are fictitious). Through the different characters, the readers get ideas from both sides of imperialism (those that benefit, those that are overcome). I thought that idea, as well as Averie's gradual realization that imperialism isn't a one-sided, all-benefit situation was really well presented to the reader. I enjoy studying history, and I appreciate how a book like this can maybe make those who aren't history buffs aware of a critical issue from world history.

On another note, the book was marketed as a romance (at least in the jacket flap), but I really didn't see that as much. I didn't even mention it in my summary. I enjoyed the romance, but I thought it was much more of a subplot that the jacket blurb made it out to be. To me it was far more of a social commentary than a romance. That being said, the romance aspect was well-written and not at all forced, even if it did take a back seat to the action.

Now, as to why I gave this book 3 1/2 stars, the ending was a bit disappointing to me, particularly where a certain character was concerned (you'll have to read it to see what I mean). It was a very enjoyable book, but I have read better. I have a habit of over-rating things, so when I read a book that's really a 5 and I see how much better it is than those I rated 4 1/2, I'm kind of stuck. So, I figured 3 1/2 was a safe rating. It probably would have been a 4 if it had ended the way I wanted (where certain characters are concerned), but then again it may have been disappointing for that very reason. Like I said before, this is a very enjoyable book. If you enjoy fantasy that is heavier on culture than magic or historical fiction, I think you would enjoy this book, as it is essentially (IMO) a delightful fusion of the two genres.