Monday 28 November 2016

Wendy Darling: Seas - Book Review


Seas: Wendy Darling
Colleen Oakes
YA Fantasy / Retellings 
UK Publisher: Sparkpress

Other books in the series:
Stars: Wendy Darling #1 - Review HERE

Synopsis:

Seas finds Wendy and Michael abroad the dreaded Sudden Night, a dangerous behemoth sailed by the infamous Captain Hook and his blood-thirsty crew. In this exotic world of mermaids, spies and pirate-feuds, Wendy finds herself struggling to keep her family above the waves.

Hunted by the twisted boy who once stole her heart and struggling to survive in the whimsical Neverland Sea, returning home to London now seems like a distant dream - and the betrayals have just begun.

Will Wendy find shelter with Peter’s greatest enemy, or is she a pawn in a much darker game, one that could forever alter not only her family’s future, but also the soul of Neverland itself?

Review:

This is the second book in Colleen Oakes’ fabulous Peter Pan retelling and I have to say, I enjoyed this book so much more than the first. Wendy finally grows a spine and becomes the action orientated character we all wanted her to, and the reader is taken deep into the histories of Pan and Hook. The revelations, the character development and sheer maddening cliff-hanger of an ending have all left me thirsting for more!

Hunted by the lost boys and their leader - the dashing but darkly twisted - Peter Pan, Wendy finds refuge in the most unlikely of places. Captain Hook’s Ship. But life with the pirates brings its own dangers, and Wendy needs all her wits and courage if she is to have any hope of surviving… But in her heart Wendy knows Peter pan is coming for her. And he will do anything to get her back…

Wendy’s development was one of things I loved most about this book. She grew from a soft, timid society girl into strong and capable woman. She made hard choices, puts others needs before her own and many times was forced to show her bravery. I really like who she has become.

In regards to Peter Pan however, surprisingly, he is barely in this story. While the glimpses we see of him continue to show his dark and psychotic personality, most of his appearances come via backstory. The reader finally gets a grip on why Peter is the way that he is - a spoiled and greedy child who hate’s his toys taken from him. Of course, I still can’t gush enough over how much I ADORE the fact that Peter Pan is the VILLAN. 

In terms of plot, the story is balanced between action and backstory. Wendy faces lots of new challenges, as well as dangers from all across Neverland Island. Meanwhile the readers are also given an in-depth look into Pan and Hook’s history, revealing surprising elements to both their personalities and hearts. 

There are also some new characters - as well as many revelations which turn the tables on old characters you thought you knew. Just so many people to love and hate! And then there was the ending. I have to be honest, I totally did not see it coming and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This is a trilogy that has truly captured my attention.

 A truly and imaginative spin on a classic tale. I give Wendy Darling: Seas, 4 stars.


Thursday 24 November 2016

A Girl Called Owl - Book Review


A Girl Called Owl
Amy Wilson
MG Fantasy
UK PUBLISHER: MacMillan Children’s Book
Released: 26th January 2017


Synopsis:

It’s bad enough having a mum dippy enough to name you Owl, but when you’ve got a dad you’ve never met, a best friend who needs you more than ever, and a new boy at school giving you weird looks, there’s not a lot of room for much else.

So when Owl starts seeing strange frost patterns on her skin, she’s tempted to just burrow down under the duvet and forget all about it. Could her strange new power be linked to her mysterious father? And what will happen when she enters the magical world of winter for the first time?

A glittering story of frost and friendship, with writing full of magic and heart. A Girl called owl is a stunning debut about family, responsibility and the beauty of the natural world. 

Review:

This was a charming read that captivated both my heart and imagination. A story of magic, myth and self-discovery, this was a truly delightful book. I can’t wait to read more from this author - and I would love to see Owl’s story continue.

Owl has always been told she is special, but only when she starts creating icicles — and freezing her science homework — does she begin to understand just how special she is. She’s never known her dad, and now evidence points Owl toward a man of myth and legend. But could such a man ever be a father?

Pulled into a world where creatures from all seasons bicker and fight over power, Owl suddenly finds herself the centre of an evil plot. A plot intended to get rid of both winter, and her father, once and for all…

I really enjoyed this book. Owl is a very relatable heroine who on top of a crazy mum, magical powers and stalking imps - still has her own real world problems. I believe she deals with everything just as any other pre-teen would. Lies. Avoidance, followed by some bad choices. The truth is shared only with one person, naturally, her best friend, Mallory.

However I really liked all the characters in this story. Especially the otherworldly creatures such as the Green Man, Queen of the May and of course, Jack frost. They were all cleverly written, showing both the good and bad sides of their natures. I also liked that every few chapters you got a glimpses of her mother’s story, which goes to explain a lot about her mothers character.

In terms of plot, a lot does happens, but in a subtle way. There isn't really that much action and I never felt the stakes were particularly high, or that Owl was ever in danger of… well anything really. Ultimately though this is a story of Owl’s journey to discover who and what she is.

Overall though this book was very sweet and I think girls of all ages would enjoy reading this during the long, cold nights of autumn and winter. Beautifully written with magic, mischief and a dusting of frost  "A Girl Called Owl" is a lovely debut novel. I look forward to seeing what Amy Wilson comes up with next.

3.5 stars!

You can check out my interview with Amy Wilson here.