Comet Rising by MarcyKate Connolly

Title: Comet Rising
Author: MarcyKate Connolly
Publisher: Soucebooks Jabberwocky
Publication date: January 1, 2019
Pages: 320
Source/format: ARC // Publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Something is very wrong with the sky...

Emmeline and Lucas are safe from Lady Aisling and her soldiers for the time being. The only thing that mars their peaceful life is Emmeline's former shadow, Dar. Still shut in her cage, she constantly tries to manipulate Emmeline to set her free.

Then one night the Cerelia Comet, the reason for their magical abilities, returns... Twelve years too early. The return of the comet can only mean one thing, Lady Aisling has a sky shaker under her control and is hoping for a new batch of talented children to add to her collection.

Emmeline and Lucas journey to find other talented children who can help in the fight against Lady Aisling. But when Dar escapes, and the two friends realize many of the children they seek have already been taken, it's clear the sky shaker might be the least of their worries.

The thrilling conclusion to MarcyKate Connolly's Shadow Weaver duology follows Emmeline and Lucas as they face the darkness that has shadowed their lives.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

"Alone we are powerful, but together, we can do real magic."

Comet Rising is the sequel to Shadow Weaver. About two months after the incidents in Shadow Weaver, Emmeline's shadow, Dar, is locked away in the attic. Emmeline and Lucas are gifted with shadow weaving and light singing due to being blessed by the Cerelia Comet at birth. Lady Aisling, a magic eater, is hunting down blessed magical children for her their talents. The Cerelia Comet only comes every 25 years but Dar tells Emmeline the comet is coming back again and it's because of Lady Aisling's doing.

In Abbacho, Emmeline pretends to be Lucas's sister while she lives with Lucas parents. The family poses as farmers and fishers. After some time, Lady Aisling's guards find the children. Lucas's parents, Alfred and Miranda, create a distraction in order for Emmeline, Lucas and Dar to flee. When Emmeline and Lucas goes into hiding at Alsa's, they learn of other magical abilities that children are blessed with. There are sky shakers, youth keepers, talent takers, memory stealers, life bringers, spot hoppers and other gifted children. Eventually, Emmeline and Lucas befriends other children such as Noah and Pearl who are blessed by the Cerelia Comet. The children battle against the Lady Aisling for their freedom.

MarcyKate Connolly creates a world that draws you in from the first page. Comet Rising's pace is much quicker than of Shadow Weaver's. Comet Rising is a fast paced middle grade read full of adventure, magic and darkness. It's dazzling story line will reel readers in. The characters are delightful and their development as characters is strong.

Emmeline and Lucas have a healthy friendship which they stay loyal to each other; they can trust one another fully. It sends a positive message for children who read this duology. Dar, however, is someone who is complex. She is hard to trust since she can betray you but at the same time, she helps you when you need help the most. This contrast of friends shows how different people act and view friendship. Connolly shows how some friendships are parasitic while others are symbiotic.

Comet Rising is an atmospheric, eerie and dark fairytale with hollow shells and a villain who will do anything to get her way. Be careful when you approach someone. Who knows if they are working for the Lady Aisling. Or you might encounter Lady Aisling in the flesh.

Shadow Weaver by MarcyKate Connolly

Title: Shadow Weaver
Author: MarcyKate Connolly
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Publication date: January 2, 2018
Pages: 308
Source/format: Publisher//ARC

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

The shadows that surround us aren’t always as they seem…

Emmeline has grown up with a gift. Since the time she was a baby she has been able to control shadows. And her only friend and companion is her own shadow, Dar.

Disaster strikes when a noble family visits their home and offers to take Emmeline away and cure her of magic. Desperate not to lose her shadows, she turns to Dar who proposes a deal: Dar will change the noble’s mind, if Emmeline will help her become flesh as she once was. Emmeline agrees but the next morning the man in charge is in a coma and all that the witness saw was a long shadow with no one nearby to cast it. Scared to face punishment, Emmeline and Dar run away.

With the noble’s guards on her trail, Emmeline’s only hope of clearing her name is to escape capture and perform the ritual that will set Dar free. But Emmeline’s not sure she can trust Dar anymore, and it’s hard to keep secrets from someone who can never leave your side.

The first in a dark middle-grade fantasy duology, MarcyKate Connolly weaves a tale filled with shadows, danger, and magic that has the feel of a new classic.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

Emmeline has a gift to control shadows around her ever since she was a baby. Her only friend is her shadow named Dar. The Cerelia Comet passes through the lands every twenty five years and blesses those who are born during that time with a magical gift. All was well until a noble family comes to offer to take away Emmeline and to cure her of her gift. Dar offers to help but at what cost?

MarcyKate Connolly creates a whole new fairytale that entices your curiosity. She threads together a wonderful story about Emmeline and Dar who are on two different sides of the spectrum personality wise. The symbiotic relationship morphs into more of a parasitic relationship. Old world charm shines through the book with a a dash of magic.

When Emmeline befriends Lucas, she is not afraid of magic he wields since she also wields magic. Lucas is the Yang to Emmelin's Yin. He is light as day and she is dark as night. Together their friendship becomes strong. Lucas's parents are very accepting of him while Emmeline's parents are not. The two parenting styles contrast each other within the novel.

Emmeline shows character development throughout the entire book. She has always confided with Dar but finally takes a stand and lets Dar know who's in control. Emmeline always thought she needed Dar but in fact she was using Dar like a security blanket. Dar, on the other hand, would persuade Emmeline that she is her friend but little does Emmeline know that Dar had her own agenda. Oh, that twist at the end of the book! I didn't see it coming but it works seamlessly with the plot.

I highly recommend Shadow Weaver to those who love a dark and twisted middle grade fantasy. The novel teaches children to stand up for themselves but to also embrace the gifts they are born with. It sheds light on those who are willing to help others even if they are not blood related. The meaning of friendship and trust are important themes that readers will appreciate.

Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly

Title: Monstrous
Author: MarcyKate Connolly 
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date: February 10, 2015
Pages: 432
Source/format: Purchased  // Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and Bryre’s inhabitants live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark.

Yet night is the only time that Kymera can enter this dangerous city, for she must not be seen by humans. Her father says they would not understand her wings, the bolts in her neck, or her spiky tail—they would kill her. They would not understand that she was created for a purpose: to rescue the girls of Bryre.

Despite her caution, a boy named Ren sees Kym and begins to leave a perfect red rose for her every evening. As they become friends, Kym learns that Ren knows about the missing girls, the wizard, and the evil magic that haunts Bryre.

And what he knows will change Kym’s life.

Reminiscent of Frankenstein and the tales of the Brothers Grimm, this debut novel by MarcyKate Connolly stands out as a compelling, original story that has the feel of a classic.

My Thoughts

The city of Bryne is being tormented by an evil wizard. A curse is released and little girls are disappearing. No one is safe and many precautions are taken place. However, there is one person who can save these girls. Kymera walks the streets at night but needs to be careful not to be seen by humans. Because Kym is comprised of different animal parts such as a spiky tail, cat eyes, claws and wings like a patchwork Frankenstein girl, she needs to be cautious since others will not understand her. Because she was close to death, Kym is given a second chance to live and to help save the world. However, a human boy sees Kym at the dead of night. Kym becomes friends with Ren and finds out that Ren knows information about what is happening to the girls and about the evil wizard.

Monstrous is such a cute coming-of-age Middle Grade novel. The world building is enchanting and MarcyKate Connolly's writing transports the reader to a magical world where Kym is created for a sole mission. Her father tells that in her new life, she has a mission to save girls from a evil wizard who is hunting down the children. Kym is strong, curious and clever. She doesn't remember too much of her past life and is searching for her identity. She is longing for freedom but she knows she has a mission to pursue. Kym is loyal and is such a giving little girl despite her monstrous looks. The storytelling of the novel is whimsical yet quite dark. What I like about the novel is how Connolly weaves in the theme of self-acceptance. It is important for young readers to understand that it's okay to be different and that everyone is unique. And because someone is different, they can still make friends. Accepting oneself is important especially when living in a society that has certain standards of what makes a perfect person.

I highly recommend this novel for readers who love dark fantasy and retellings. If you enjoy reading Frankenstein and Brothers Grimm tales, definitely check out Monstrous. Also, make sure to check out Connolly's next book, Ravenous.

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #2

This week has been a week full of MG and YA cover reveals. Not only are the covers pretty amazing but the covers definitely gives readers something to look forward to while they wait for these fantastic upcoming releases. Which cover reveal is your favorite and why?

On Monday YA Books Central released the cover art for Ravenous by MarcyKate Connolly. This stunning cover compliments companion novel, Monstrous, well. This beautiful cover art has the perfect color palette and a lovely hand drawn illustration.

Title: Ravenous
Author: MarcyKate Connolly
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date:  February 9, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A witch has come to the city of Bryre. She travels in a hut that has chicken feet, and is ravenous for children. And once she gets what she desires, she never lets it go. 

But when the witch captures Hans, Greta’s little brother, Greta refuses to let her have him. The two strike up a bargain. Greta will retrieve something the witch desires in exchange for her brother’s freedom. 

To get the prize Greta must travel to Belladoma—a city where she was once held captive—which brings back terrible memories. With the help of a new friend, Dalen, a magical half-boy and half-horse, Greta embarks on the journey and tries to overcome both foes and her own weaknesses.

For fans of Monstrous and new readers alike comes the story of an epic quest and a heroine who will stop at nothing to save the one she loves most. 

On Thursday USA Today revealed somewhat of the cover art for Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan and illustrated by John Rocco. I love the colors John Rocco chose and I am very curious about the plot to the new series. I know very little of Norse mythology and I am to join Magnus Chase's journey. The gradient in the background is perfect!

Title: The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date:  October 6, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

So this cover reveal was from last Friday but it's still worth mentioning. USA Today revealed the cover for Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner which is the third book in the Starbound trilogy. The cover is gorgeous! I have not read the first two books in the trilogy but I have heard good things about both novels.

Title: Their Fractured Light
Authors: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date:  December 1, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

On Tuesday Publishers Weekly revealed the cover for Pax by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen. The color scheme of muted tones works well with the synopsis of the book and the book is meant to be a timeless classic.

Title: Pax
Author: Pennypacker
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Publication date:  February 2, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and “his boy” Peter rescued him from abandonment and certain death. Now the war front approaches, and when Peter’s father enlists, Peter has to move in with his grandpa. Far worse than being forced to leave home is the fact that Pax can’t go. Peter listens to his stern father—as he usually does—and throws Pax’s favorite toy soldier into the woods. When the fox runs to retrieve it, Peter and his dad get back in the car and leave him there—alone. But before Peter makes it through even one night under his grandfather’s roof, regret and duty spur him to action; he packs for a trek to get his best friend back and sneaks into the night. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to one another against all odds. 

Told from the alternating viewpoints of Peter and Pax, this story truly showcases Sara’s mastery of characterization and her fluent ability to pay off small yet beautiful details. The conflicts that Peter faces are mostly internal and center around the anger that has affected both him and his father in the wake of his mother’s unexpected death. Peter can’t shake his grandfather’s claim that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” when he wants so badly to distinguish himself from his closed-off father. Pax’s hardships, on the other hand, are more external; his domestication has left him an unskilled hunter and misled him as to the true nature of men. However, it is the beautifully-crafted characters that Peter and Pax encounter on their separate journeys who ultimately help the protagonists find what they are looking for, in addition to each other. These distinctive and multi-dimensional individuals leave a rare kind of impression on the reader while subtly infusing it with themes of loyalty, self-worth, denial, and truth. 

PAX is ready to become a universal and timeless classic, like CHARLOTTE’S WEB, to be read and discussed by whole communities and generations to come.

On Monday Penguin Teen revealed the cover art to The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury. It's interesting that pastels were chosen. I do like the cover art overall but I expected richer and bolder colors on the cover.

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date:  February 23, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Arabian Nights from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

On Wednesday Barnes & Noble revealed the cover to What We Left Behind by Robin Talley. The cover definitely screams contemporary and I am looking forward to reading this novel.

Title: What We Left Behind
Author: Robin Talley
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date:  October 27, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

What We Left Behind follows a teen couple—Gretchen, who identifies as a lesbian, and Toni, who identifies as genderqueer—as they struggle to stay together during their first year in college, despite the growing rift caused by distance and Toni's shifting gender identity.