Category Archives: Reviews

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BookReview: Holly Black’s “The Folk of the Air” Series and “Stolen Heir” Duology

June 29, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Enemies to Allies: Love and Deception in the Fairie Courts

Holly Black’s enchanting yet treacherous world of Elfhame, depicted in the “Folk of Air” series and the “Stolen Heir” duology, offers a rich tapestry of faerie lore that dives deep into the complex interplay of magic, power, and human emotions.

Series Overview for “The Folk of the Air”:

1. The Cruel Prince: The series begins with Jude Duarte, a human girl raised in the faerie world of Elfhame. She navigates the brutal politics of the court, driven by a desire for power to secure her place and protect her family, clashing with the wicked prince, Cardan Greenbriar.

1.5. The Lost Sisters: An ebook novella that revisits Taryn, Jude’s twin, offering a different perspective on the events of the first book and her own complex relationships within the faerie court.

2. The Wicked King: Continuing the tumultuous tale, Jude now seeks to control Cardan, who has ascended to the throne. Their twisted alliance evolves amidst ever-deepening plots of betrayal and power struggles.

3. The Queen of Nothing: This finale sees Jude exiled to the human world, struggling with her feelings for Cardan while facing a kingdom in turmoil. The culmination of their story tests the bounds of trust and ambition.

3.5 How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories: A collection of short stories focused on Cardan, detailing his past and his intricate feelings about his rise to power and his relationship with Jude.

“Stolen Heir” Duology:

1. The Stolen Heir: The narrative shifts to Suren, once promised to the throne, and Oak, Jude’s younger brother and the heir apparent to Elfhame. Their story of love and legacy wrestles with their haunted pasts and the heavy expectations of their futures.

2. The Prisoner’s Throne: After betraying Suren’s heart, Oak is now her prisoner. He must find a way to repair his relationship with Suren, or risk their kingdoms going to war.

World Building and Themes:

Elfhame is a realm drawn straight from the darker corners of English and Irish folklore, where faeries are not the benign creatures of children’s tales but are instead beautiful, manipulative, and cruel. Holly Black’s Elfhame is vibrantly detailed with elements like poisoned flora and magical artifacts, creating a backdrop where beauty is intertwined with danger.

What truly fascinates me about these books is the depiction of characters who navigate a world where deception is commonplace, and trust is a scarce commodity. The series brilliantly captures the struggle of characters like Jude and Cardan, who emerge from abusive pasts to wrestle with their desires for power, love, and redemption. Their journey from enemies to lovers highlights their growth and the harsh realities of their world.

The “Stolen Heir” duology continues this exploration of trust and trauma through Suren and Oak, whose burgeoning relationship must contend with the legacies of their complicated histories.

Holly Black’s works are a testament to the enduring allure of fairy tales, reimagined with modern complexities and moral ambiguities. For readers who relish narratives where dark meets light, and love contends with betrayal, the “Folk of Air” series and “Stolen Heir” duology offer compelling escapes into a meticulously crafted world.

If you’re intrigued by tales of faerie courts filled with intrigue and romance, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more book reviews and insights into the magical realms of literature. Join me in exploring worlds where every shadow has a story and every character has secrets waiting to be unveiled.

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UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: “Gilded” and “Cursed” by Marissa Meyer

June 8, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Blessings and Curses: The Power of Stories

Marissa Meyer’s duology, “Gilded” and “Cursed,” breathes new life into the classic tale of Rumpelstiltskin, transforming it into a richly imagined young adult fairy tale romance. These novels dive deep into a world where ancient myths blend seamlessly with modern sensibilities, including diverse characters and contemporary themes.

In Gilded, we meet Serilda, a gifted storyteller whose ability to weave fantastical stories is both a blessing and a curse. Her wild fantasies captures the attention of the malevolent Erlking, a sadistic entity who wishes her to spin straw into gold. While trapped in the Erlking’s dungeon, Serilda receives help from Gild, a poltergeist with no memory, who has the actual ability to weave straw into gold. Neither of them expect their simple business transaction to turn into real love.

Cursed picks up the threads of Serilda’s journey as she grapples with the consequences of her storytelling and the harm it has caused to those she loves. She and Gild walk the a fine line as they seek to discover the secrets of their ghost-filled castle without incurring the Erlking’s wrath. But when they discover that the Erlking seeks to bring back a diety even worse than himself—his beloved huntress—Serilda must learn to tell the ultimate story in order to save herself, her family, and the world.

What I Loved About the Series:

Meyer’s “Gilded” and “Cursed” standout for their dynamic world-building that respects the original fairy tale while updating its elements to reflect contemporary values. The inclusion of diverse characters—gay characters, female warriors, and gods with they/them pronouns—adds layers of depth and relatability to the narrative.

I also appreciated Serilda’s internal conflict, her gift for storytelling seen both as a blessing and a curse. Her journey reflects the power of narratives in shaping realities and the moral responsibilities that come with such power. As she transitions from dreaming to doing, Serilda’s growth mirrors the path many find themselves on—navigating the complexities of their talents and the impacts they have on the world around them.

If you’re captivated by fairy tales reimagined with depth, diversity, and modern twists, “Gilded” and “Cursed” are must-reads.

Join my newsletter for more reviews like this and stay updated on my upcoming works, including a series on Slavic spirits that brings mythical tales to life with a similar blend of tradition and transformation. Together, let’s dive deeper into stories that move and mold us, and discover how ancient tales can reflect and enrich our contemporary world. Join now and be part of a community that cherishes every word of the journey.

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Book Review: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

June 1, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

When Fairy Tales and Science Fiction Collide: From Cinderella to Snow White

“The Lunar Chronicles” is a captivating series by Marissa Meyer that reimagines classic fairy tales in a futuristic world where humans, cyborgs, and supernatural Lunars intertwine. The series skillfully combines science fiction with fantasy, weaving each tale into a larger, cohesive narrative that culminates in a thrilling finale where a gang of unlikely young heroes strive to overthrow a tyrannical government.

Book 1: Cinder: The series kicks off with a futuristic twist on Cinderella. Cinder, a cyborg mechanic in New Beijing, finds her life intertwined with Prince Kai’s and discovers startling secrets about her past that will alter her future forever.

Book 2: Scarlet: Inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, this book introduces Scarlet, a bold French farmer who embarks on a quest to find her missing grandmother with the help of Wolf, a street fighter with deep secrets. Their adventure leads to perilous discoveries and a blossoming romance.

Book 3: Cress: Retelling the story of Rapunzel, Cress centers on a brilliant hacker who has been trapped on a satellite. She is rescued by Captain Carswell Thorne, and together they embark on a mission that challenges both their destinies.

Book 4: Winter: The final book wraps up the series with a reimagining of Snow White. Princess Winter and her loyal guard, Jacin, join Cinder and her allies to confront Queen Levana.

Fairest: Although a prequel to “The Lunar Chronicles,” “Fairest” delves into the backstory of Queen Levana, portraying her as a damaged and lonely princess, before she became the notorious Queen seen in the series.

Stars Above: A collection of short stories set in the world of the Lunar Chronicles. This anthology deepens the backstory and futures of beloved characters from the series. It includes tales like “The Keeper,” exploring Scarlet’s grandmother’s protection of Cinder, and “The Queen’s Army,” which reveals Wolf’s origin. The collection also features “The Mechanic,” detailing Cinder’s meeting with Kai, and “Something Old, Something New,” a charming epilogue wrapping up the series with a festive gathering. This collection is a must-read for fans, offering new insights and filling the gaps left by the main series.

Marissa Meyer’s series will enchant readers who enjoy fresh takes on classic tales, particularly those who appreciate a blend of science fiction, romance, and adventure. Each book maintains its own narrative arc while contributing to the series’ overarching plot, making it a compelling read for fans of character-driven stories.

Each book in “The Lunar Chronicles” not only pays homage to its fairy tale origins but also expands the story in unique and intriguing ways. Meyer’s integration of romance, personal growth, and heroic quests against the backdrop of a richly built world makes for an enthralling series. The evolution of Cinder from a mechanic to a revolutionary is particularly well-executed, embodying the series’ theme of self-discovery and empowerment.

If you’re captivated by tales that blend the magical, consider subscribing to my Reader’s Club newsletter for more reviews, sneak peeks at my works in progress, and exclusive insights into the myths and legends that inspire our favorite stories. Whether you’re a fan of fairy tales, fierce heroines, or futuristic settings, join us as we explore new worlds together.

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Book Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

May 11, 2024Journal, Reviews, PolishE.S.O. Martin

Stealing Hope: The Story of The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is the story of Liesel Meminger, a girl on the cusp of puberty, living with foster parents, the Hubermanns, in Nazi Germany. The book is narrated by Death, as he jumps back and forth through narrative time.

It is hard to comprehend the horrors of war. What this book attempts to do is step away from the atrocities and war crimes of World War II—which can sometimes seem too huge and horrible to understand—and it seeks to shrink the impact down to the size of one little girl.

This book is written for a young adult audience in mind, and is probably the kind of book that would be assigned in class as part of a World War II unit in junior high or high school. The atrocities of the Holocaust are mentioned, but the book does not go into graphic detail about it. There is a sense of Bad Things happening in the background—bad things are happening to other people—but the horror is never really experienced as a first-person event, as it is in Anne Frank’s diaries, or in Elie Wiesel’s Night. It’s more intellectual and poetically sad—rather than visceral.

To be honest, I have mixed feelings about this book.

On the one hand, The Book Thief is beautifully written. Without a doubt.

I sympathized with Liesel and the Hubermanns. I felt for the powerlessness of Max Vandenberg, the Jewish fist-fighter that the Hubermanns hid in their basement. I felt for Rudy Steiner, Liesel’s friend. In a lot of ways, these characters were stuck between a rock and a hard place and had no good choices.

But I’ll admit, it was hard for me to read this book. As a Polish-American with living family members who survived Auschwitz, reading about how hard WW II was for these fictional German characters felt a bit disloyal to me.

My real-life family fought in the Polish resistance. I had family members who were killed by Nazis. My family survived the concentration camps and suffered greatly under their German and Russian occupiers. Where is the sympathy for them?

What was redeeming about The Book Thief is that it shows how hard it is to be a moral person and to feel like you are having a good impact when your government is doing terrible things. Sometimes, the whole world goes sideways, and very few of us actually have any power or control in making it better, other than small acts of resistance. For Liesel, her small act of resistance is in stealing books, and in protecting Max Vandenberg and his story.

When I look to the world we currently live in and the heartless choices our own governments make, I have to admit, I feel a little bit powerless and overwhelmed. The humanitarian crisis at our boarders. The wars. The bombings. The terror. The global warming. The overfishing. The factory farms. What power do I have to change these horrible things?

I have voted in every election since I turned 18, but my vote has usually gone to the losing side. Sometimes I feel like my tiny little voice is inconsequential, that nobody cares. I often feel baffled by the choices and attitudes of my fellow Americans.

Books like The Book Thief are a reminder that doing something is better than doing nothing. Any act of resistance is better than being silent and complacent. So I continue to vote. I continue to support causes I believe in.

I continue to eat vegan, because that single choice has the largest real-world impact on my health, on the environment, on feminism, and in the ethics of how we treat animals and other people.

It’s important for my own sense of integrity to feel like I’m doing something.

Because not doing so would feel like giving up.

If cynicism is complacent obedience to The Man, then optimism is civil disobedience.

I refuse to give up, because I believe future generations deserve better. When my future grandchildren come up to me and ask what I did to try to stop the world from burning, I will not be like those complacent Germans in the 1930s and 1940s who did nothing because they “had no idea.” My acts of resistance make it easier for me to look myself in the mirror.

Thank you very much for reading this review of ‘The Book Thief.’ If you would like to be notified about more reviews like these, or if you would like to get updates about my own works in progress, please consider signing up for my Reader’s Club newsletter.

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

May 4, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

In the shadowed corridors of grief and adolescence, Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls stands as a beacon of raw emotional storytelling. Originally conceived by Siobhan Dowd during her final days, the novel is a poignant exploration of a child’s journey through loss, brought to life with the haunting illustrations of Jim Kay.

The Heart of the Story:

At its core, A Monster Calls is the tale of 13-year-old Connor O’Malley, who grapples with the impending loss of his mother to a terminal illness. Connor’s life is a battleground of internal and external conflicts—from the bullies at school to the turmoil at home, where neither his estranged father nor his rigid grandmother offer solace. Amidst this turmoil, Connor finds an unlikely confidant in a monstrous Yew tree that comes to life, weaving tales that blur the lines between moral fables and harsh realities.

A Journey Through Grief:

Ness masterfully navigates the labyrinth of Connor’s emotions, portraying a character who is at once vulnerable and resilient. The monster’s tales serve as a mirror to Connor’s psyche, revealing the complexities of human nature and the painful, often messy process of coming to terms with loss. The climax, where Connor confronts his deepest fear, is a cathartic release, a raw acknowledgment of the powerlessness and rage that accompanies grief.

The Power of Storytelling:

What sets this novel apart is its unflinching honesty in addressing the depth of a child’s emotions. Ness does not shy away from the dark and tumultuous; instead, he delves deep, presenting a narrative that is both harrowing and healing. The book’s acknowledgment that children can harbor profound grief and rage, and yet remain innocent, is a narrative feat that resonates deeply.

Jim Kay’s illustrations are more than mere accompaniments to the text; they are narratives in their own right. Stark, evocative, and beautifully unsettling, the artwork enhances the story’s emotional depth, making the monster and Connor’s journey all the more tangible.

A Monster Calls struck a chord with me for its unapologetic exploration of the darker facets of childhood. This novel, while a work of fiction, touches on universal truths about pain, loss, and healing. Grief and loss are too powerful to have to bear alone. If you, or someone you know, is hurting, please reach out to someone you trust for comfort and help.

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Book Review: The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

April 20, 2024Journal, Reviews, PolishE.S.O. Martin

Jodi Picoult’s The Storyteller weaves a complex tapestry of narratives that delve into the depths of human guilt, redemption, and the enduring impact of historical atrocities on personal identities and familial legacies. Through the intertwining lives of Sage Singer, a baker grappling with the loss of her mother, Josef Weber, an elderly man with a dark secret, and Malinka, a Holocaust survivor, Picoult challenges the reader to confront the uncomfortable moral ambiguities of justice and forgiveness.

Interwoven Narratives:

At the heart of the novel is Sage Singer, who, while trying to navigate her own sea of grief and guilt, encounters Josef Weber, a beloved community figure with a hidden past as a Nazi commander. This revelation sets off a moral quandary for Sage, whose Jewish heritage and familial connections to the Holocaust, through her grandmother Malinka—a survivor of Auschwitz—deepens the narrative’s exploration of historical memory and its implications for the present.

Malinka’s storyline provides a harrowing glimpse into the Holocaust’s dehumanizing brutality, capturing the desperation, resilience, and the indomitable will to survive amidst unthinkable horrors. Her stories, particularly the haunting dark fantasy tale she composed during her imprisonment, serve as a testament to the power of storytelling as a means of endurance and escape from the grim reality of the concentration camps.

Themes of Endurance and the Power of Storytelling:

Picoult masterfully uses the motif of storytelling as a form of resistance against the erasure of history and the diminishment of human suffering. Malinka’s fantastical horror story, set in a Polish village plagued by mysterious disappearances and vampiric entities, not only provides a stark contrast to the real-life terror of Auschwitz but also underscores the vital role of imagination as a sanctuary from pain.

The novel’s exploration of the complexities of survivorship—highlighting the roles of luck, endurance, guilt, and the human capacity for both cruelty and kindness—resonates deeply with those familiar with the lasting scars of historical traumas. Malinka’s role as storyteller shows that stories serve a crucial function in offering temporary respite from pain. This is a nuanced perspective on the value of literature and art in coping with grief and trauma.

Personal Reflections:

This book had personal significance for me, because both my grandmother and great-grandmother survived the horrors of Auschwitz. The Storyteller acknowledges the generational pain, and the cathartic power of storytelling in processing and understanding trauma.

The Storyteller is not just a novel; it’s an invitation to reflect on the multifaceted nature of humanity and the indelible impact of our histories on our present selves.

For those drawn to stories that venture into the shadows to find the light, I encourage you to join my Reader’s Club newsletter. Here, we explore tales that, much like Picoult’s narrative, navigate the intricate dance between darkness and redemption, offering insights into both the fantastical and the all-too-real aspects of our existence. Together, let’s explore the stories that shape us, haunt us, and ultimately, heal us.

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