Review: Tsarina by J Nelle Patrick

Natalya knows a secret.
A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia's Winter Palace.
It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics.
A power that promises a life of love for her and Alexei Romanov.
Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life.
But it's not in the right hands.

Best Bits: I love a good historical fiction novel, and if it involves any popular writing/film/tv names (The Tudors, The Romanovs, etc) I'm there. When I found out that J. Nelle Patrick was actually the pseudonym for Jackson Pearce, I was even more excited. I can't say that it was a perfect read, but for the most part I really enjoyed it. The fantasy element was an interesting twist throughout the book, and I was kept on the edge of my seat until things were resolved. 

I found it realistic that Natalya didn't really understand the purpose of the revolution. She can't understand why people are targeting those who are rich, and believes that the Romanov's will prevail. I think this is an honest portrayal of someone who is isolated in a lifestyle of wealth. So, while others may be frustrated by her naivety, I think that it provides some uniqueness to her character. It was also contrasted well with her friend, Emilia. She also has the same line of thinking, but is a bit more shallow than Natalya. It was refreshing to see over the course of the book the growth in their understanding of the world and politics.

Nit Picks: Sometimes, I felt like the story was taking place during the communist revolution, but within it's own little bubble.  For example, it's clear that Pearce did her research while she was writing this novel.  She discusses people that were involved with the Romanov family, and particularly with Rasputin, paints an interesting picture of the time. At the same time, however, there have been some changes with Alexi (who was still a young boy when he was killed). Even small changes like that made me question what was changed as a plot device, and what was accurate. 

Tsarina 
By J Nelle Patrick
Published by Razorbill
331 Pages

Stacking the Shelves (May 17)

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews! It's a way to highlight the books that everyone got throughout the week.

Received for Review

Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick (a pseudonym of Jackson Pearce, and I always want to read more by her, woop!)

Scared for her safety in a city spilling over in chaos, Natalya has a dangerous secret-she laid eyes on the hidden Consetllation Egg. This shimmering Fabergé egg holds a power so great it protects the tsar and the one he loves.

When the Constellation Egg disappears, Natalya sets out to find the egg and save her beloved Alexei, the Tsa-to-be. But she is thwarted by a handsome, dark-haired Red named Leo who has plans of his own for the egg, and for Natalya.

Swirling with mysticism, Natalya's heart-stopping journey is perfect for fans of Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty.

This one arrived out of the blue, and I'm so excited!

Purchased

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
 

 
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

The One by Kiera Cass

 The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.
 

Waiting on Wednesday (September 25)

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This weekly meme shares the upcoming books that I'm most excited about.

 Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick (a pseudonym of Jackson Pearce, and I always want to read more by her, woop!)

Scared for her safety in a city spilling over in chaos, Natalya has a dangerous secret-she laid eyes on the hidden Consetllation Egg. This shimmering Fabergé egg holds a power so great it protects the tsar and the one he loves.

When the Constellation Egg disappears, Natalya sets out to find the egg and save her beloved Alexei, the Tsa-to-be. But she is thwarted by a handsome, dark-haired Red named Leo who has plans of his own for the egg, and for Natalya.


Swirling with mysticism, Natalya's heart-stopping journey is perfect for fans of Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty.

Published by Razorbill
Release Date: February 2014

Mini Book Reviews

Life has been a bit chaotic, so this week, so I'm posting some mini-reviews. Sadly, school got in the way of blogging. On the bright side, I'm now on fall break, so I can schedule things in advance (hurrah).

Next week I'll have a review up for Cate of the Lost Colony, and a guest post from the author, Lisa Klein. Plus, there will be a contest up for a copy of the book!

The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but I really enjoyed it. I was surprised by the political portion of the plot, and enjoyed this aspect the most. When I started reading this one, I had just heard about the deportations of the Roma in France. So, I was excited that this one had themes that were along the same topic. Of course, this story took place in Austria, not France. Nevertheless, it was interesting to read about the stereotypes the characters had about the Roma in this book, and compare them to the modern stereotypes.

Overall, I did enjoy this one, but there was something missing that kept me from loving the story. I think that I felt this way because of the pacing of the scenes. Some flowed well together, and some scenes dragged for me.

Jeremy Cabbage and the Living Museum of Human Oddballs and Quardruped Delights by David Elliott

In Jeremy's society, there's a disease that changes regular people into cloons. What's the difference between a clown and a cloon, you ask? Well, to quote my friend Sam, "A clown is a person underneath, and a cloon is a cloon underneath." Due to the Baron Ignatius von Strompie, cloons are ostracized in Jeremy's community. In fact, there are some who want to run them out altogether.

This is quite honestly the most unique book that I've ever read. I'm not even really sure how to review it, because quite a bit happens from start to finish. I will say that there is something for everyone in this story. For example, crazy characters, a savant pig, discovering the meaning of family, and some social commentary thrown in for good measure.

I really didn't do this one justice, so if you're in the mood for something totally unique, give this one a try.


Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

I picked this one up after a couple of friends raved about it. It may have been because I had high expectations, or that I've read so many great fairytale retellings lately, but I was slightly disappointed with this one. This retells the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and puts a new twist on it. While I enjoyed the new fantasy element of the story, I wish that there had been more description of King Under Stone's world, where the princesses are forced to dance each night. This lack of description was the one thing that kept me from connecting to the story. To George's credit, I really liked the characters, and thought that Galen was very well developed.

Overall, not my favorite retelling of a fairytale, but I'll still pick up the sequel.


Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

For those who haven't heard of this one, sisters Scarlett and Rosie March hunt Fenris, or werewolves. The werewolves are predators in more way than one. Yes, they kill, but their prey tends to be young, pretty girls. So, Scarlett makes it her mission to save those girls. Rosie, on the other hand, has never really had a choice in hunting. She goes where Scarlett goes, even if it means she is unable to have a stable life.

I really enjoyed this new take on werewolves. Finally, a story where they're vicious, and no one falls in love with one. While I would have liked a bit more history about the March family, the story didn't disappoint me. There was action, suspense, and just the right amount of romance. I'm excited to see where the sequel takes our characters.


Virals by Kathy Reichs

I love the show Bones, but I've never read any of the original series by Kathy Reichs. When I heard that she was writing a teen series, I jumped at the chance to read it. This book features Tory Brennan, the niece of Temperance Brennan. For those people who only watch the tv show (myself included), the news that she has a niece will surprise you. In fact, I think that I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the original series.

I enjoyed the story, but this one was hard for me to get through. I think it was because I couldn't connect to Tory. I enjoyed reading about her, but I didn't relate very well. There were also portions of the book that I had to reread, because I caught myself skipping lines. I'm interested in reading her books featuring Temperance, but this one just didn't hold my attention.

In My Mailbox (September 26)

In my mailbox was created by Kristi of The Story Siren, who was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Here are the books I got this week...

A couple of these books I actually got prior to this week, but forgot to add them to their respective IMMs. So, I'm including them in this weeks post.

Each synopsis is taken from Goodreads

Borrowed:

Jeremy Cabbage by David Elliot

Jeremy Cabbage stuck at Harpwitch’s Home for Mean Dogs, Ugly Cats, and Stray Children, where the dogs are treated better than the kids. And things aren’t much better on the outside: the city is ruled by the arrogant and foolish Baron Ignatius von Strompe, who’s on a campaign to stamp out anyone who’s different. At the top of his list are the outlandish people known as cloons, who look like clowns, say what they want, do as they please, and make everyone laugh the whole way through.

Jeremy’s only chance is a good adoption—but who would possibly adopt Jeremy, an unloved, unwanted eleven-year-old? The answer sets Jeremy off on an outrageous, comical adventure that brings him face-to-face with the Baron himself.

Library:

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library— a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Jout of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.

When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.

Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary— and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.
Jackson Pearce delivers a dark, taut fairy tale with heart-pounding action, fierce sisterly love, and a romance that will leave readers breathless.

Princess at the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

The Brothers Grimm tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses is vibrantly retold and set in a fictionalized nineteenth-century Europe. Galen, a soldier (and knitter) returning home from war, encounters an old woman who gives him an invisibility cloak and yarn possessing magical powers. While working as a gardener at the palace, he encounters the princess, Rose, and her 11 younger sisters. Because of a secret bargain their mother made with the evil King Under Stone, the princesses are cursed to dance each night till their shoes are worn ragged. Aided by the good magic held in his yarn, Galen solves the puzzle that has stumped many a prince and earns Rose’s love and hand in marriage. Though cursed and in need of rescue, the sisters are feisty and cunning—not passive victims of their fate. Galen’s magical knitting patterns will appeal to teens fond of this trendy hobby. This is a well-realized and fast-paced fantasy-romance that will find favor among fans of fairy tales, feisty heroines, and dashing young men with strength, cunning, and sensitivity.

Waiting on Wednesday (November 4)

This was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Basically, these are books that haven't been released yet, but that I can't wait for.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Scarlett never believed in the Fenris—werewolves drawn to the delectable charms of young girls. That all changed when in one swift attack, a Fenris murdered her grandmother and left Scarlett half-blind and horrifically scarred. Only her younger sister, Rosie, escaped unharmed as Scarlett shielded her from the Fenris’s jaws.
Now eighteen, Scarlett’s life’s mission is to destroy the Fenris and save other girls from her fate—a mission she’s grown to love, despite herself. Armed with red cloaks and hatchets, Scarlett, Rosie, and a young woodsman, Silas, move to the city in search of answers—and vengeance. If they can find a Potential Fenris, tainted by the pack but not yet consumed by it, they can unlock the mystery that transforms them- but better yet, use him as bait.
But unlike Scarlett, Rosie doesn't feel the thrill of the hunt in her blood. Longing for a life away from heavy responsibility and something sweeter than steel determination, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas. More and more often, they find themselves abandoning the search for the Potential, stealing kisses, sharing secrets.
When Scarlett discovers the romance blossoming in her midst, she abandons her sister to the woodsman, certain that her own heart has no room for love, not when it's filled with her mission, her purpose. Still, the bond between Scarlett and Rosie is too deep to truly sever, and when Scarlett discovers a way to bring her sister back to her side for good- even if it means destroying Rosie’s happiness—she is forced to make a decision that will change the course of both their lives.

Published by Little, Brown
Release Date: June 03, 2010