Gilded - Christina Farley

Book Title: Gilded
Series: The Gilded Series
Author: Christina Farley
Amazon Link: Click here

Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.

An enjoyable foray into ancient Korean culture and mythology. I loved being introduced to such intriguing cultural themes and characters. It was great fun to look up these fantastical creatures and find artwork so I could more accurately imagine what the author is describing. Curious readers will find this irresistible. This book has one foot firmly planted in the present day and one magically in Ancient Korea. I like the juxtaposition and the connection this allows the reader to make with the main character. Because I am not familiar with Korean culture and history this made the story very easy to read. In this novel, a young high school girl, Jae Hwa Lee, is brought to her parents homeland of Korea following her mother's death and her father's promotion at work. She comes to find she has a personal connection to the old Korean folktales she has heard from her family as a little girl. It's an exciting read. I was a little worried when I read that the author was in fact not of Korean heritage but instead had been a teacher in the country for a number of years. How could she write legitimately about a lifestyle not her own? She did well in my opinion. Jae, although of Korean heritage, has been raised in America. She is familiar with aspects of the Korean culture but not like a native. Her voice seemed authentic to me.

I enjoyed the main character. She is a little formulaic in that she checks off all the boxes required for a good YA girl these days. Proficient with a bow and arrow? Check. Good at martial arts? Check. Exceptionally intelligent? Check. Fiercely independent? Check. Don't get me wrong, I love these girls. Give me more Katniss anyday! What helped this character to develop beyond the formula were her faults. She's far from perfect. Even she can't pull off straight A's as well as fighting evil, and did she get kicked out of Tai Kwon Do? Oops! Does she fly off the handle sometimes? Yep. Loved it! If you like YA with a strong girl in the forefront then this will be satisfying, with enough exotic flavoring to feel different.

Overall, I liked this book a great deal. I would definitely read more from this author, in fact I just found out that there are sequels to this first novel. I'm gladly adding them to my TBR list.

Bonus link: Visit the author's blog here.

Spotify Song for this book: Mr. Moon by Eisley

Fool's Quest - Robin Hobb

Book Title: Fool's Quest
Series: The Farseer Chronicles
Author: Robin Hobb
Amazon Link: Click here

Fitz Forever! This would probably be a good place to let you know that I'm a long-time fan of Robin Hobb’s novels. The Farseer Chronicles is a series that is frequently spoken of in the same breath as G.R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones books and for good reason. So of course I was thrilled with the new release of book 8 in the series, Fool's Quest. The story begins in book one titled Assassin’s Apprentice. Primarily following the life and travails of a young bastard of the royal line and his remarkable friendship with a fortune-telling fool in motley of the King’s court. Ugh, what a terrible way to summarize such a complex, rich storyline but I hate to give even the smallest of spoilers away.

This new release, Fool’s Quest is book 8 of the series, however, there are two spin-off series which are a larger part of the story. I would recommend anyone who wants to start these books begin from the beginning and read through the entire 15 book series. Yes I said 15!! Oh joy! If you’re like me, you hate reaching the end of a Beloved series and finding there’s nothing left to read. These books will keep you going for a long time. I’m excited for you before you even begin.

This is a beautifully written story, and the latest volume is a worthy addition. As an adventure it is exciting and compelling, but I think fans of the books will find real satisfaction in the chapters dealing with Fitz and his personal relationships with his friends and family. Chapter 8 in particular left me with tears of joy. Mrs. Hobb has held off on the fulfillment of a story arc that fans have wished for from the first and it was worth the wait. What strikes me most when I read this series is how deftly the emotional attachment between reader and character has been crafted. I am truly fond of these characters in ways that surprise me. That is a rare gift as an author which Mrs. Hobb has in spades. One that I am thankful for. I’m so glad I found these books. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Bonus link: Visit Robin Hobb's webpage for a complete listing of books in the series here.

Spotify Song for this book: The Call by Regina Spektor

The Slow Regard of Silent Things - Patrick Rothfuss

Book Title: The Slow Regard of Silent Things
Series: The Kingkiller Chronicles
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Amazon Link: Click here

Not your ordinary novella. If you're a fan of the Kingkiller Chronicle you may enjoy this book. It's definitely different, but in a very good way. It doesn't serve to further the Kvothe story, what it does do is adds extra dimension to the world and characters. One character in particular, Auri. I loved her in the original storyline and I'm very happy to see more about what her life is like down in the Underthing, as well as her motivations. This novella gives just the barest hints of her background and her potential for real power, but as you read you come to understand just how damaged an individual she is. Her obsessions and perceptions of the world around her are exceptionally insighful. It deserves a re-read because I am sure there are so many nuggets of info hidden in this story that will affect the larger plot of Kingkiller Chronicle. I really enjoyed it. I love Auri just a little bit more for reading it.

Bonus link: Tor's extensive re-read of The Kingkiller Chronicles is found here. Read the books then follow the re-read to really benefit from the details layered into the novels & novella.
Spotify Song for this book: Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush

The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss

Book Title: The Name of the Wind
Series: The Kingkiller Chronicles
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Amazon Link: Click here

I've always wanted to be a writer. I love books so much I just can't imagine anything more fulfilling than getting your ideas onto paper, publishing them, and having them loved by millions. Naive, I know. I had a conversation with my daughter a couple of days ago. She is becoming quite the bookworm herself. After a trip to the library she asked if I would like to write books. She agreed with me. It sounds like such a wonderful thing to do. Then I read a book like The Name of the Wind and I am reminded why I am not an author. I could not possibly do justice to a story in the way that Patrick Rothfuss does with this fantasy novel. This book wasn't just written, it was crafted. With exceptional care, expertise and an attention to detail that is truly remarkable. He never wastes a word. The plot is tightly constructed and full of detail but also beautifully lyrical. It is a book that deserves an immediate re-read. Inevitably, I am tempted to compare any new fantasy book with Tolkien. That's not particularly fair, but it's the association my mind draws. The Name of the Wind belongs on the same shelf. I believe it an equal, a peer. I look forward to reading more books in the series. I have read the second book titled The Wise Man's Fear, and it does not disappoint. I can't wait for the third book in the series. There is no release date in sight but that's ok. Although I'm impatient to read it, I can see that books this beautiful don't just appear out of thin air. Take your time Mr. Rothfuss, I'll be waiting.


Bonus link: Tor's extensive re-read of The Kingkiller Chronicles is found here. Read the books then follow the re-read to really benefit from the details layered into the novels.

Spotify Song for this book: Manchester - Kishi Bashi