Review: Fables Vol. 1

****I am reviewing Collected issues only, not single issues.****

Fables: Legends in Exile (Volumes 1 to 5, Collection 1) by Bill Wingham

Genre: Comic
Edition Reviewed: eComic
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Fables (1)

When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters have created their own peaceful and secret society within an exclusive luxury apartment building called Fabletown. But when Snow White's party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Fabletown's sheriff, a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf (Bigby Wolf), to determine if the killer is Bluebeard, Rose's ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber.

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Review:

Pretty ding dong cool! The art is wonderful and I adore how gritty and naughty this first collection is! This is how I had always wished Once Upon a Time could have been. Thank goodness a Goodreads friend reviewed this and told me this is what I had been waiting for. It’s the best of Urban Fantasy mixed with the kind of brave stuff I want out of my fairytale reimaginings!

It’s enchanting to see the fables shadowing the fair city of New York. The art captures the dark tone of the city itself as well as the beasties that live there. Fabletown seems right at home in the Big Apple. Especially as a violent crime takes place and a murder must be solved!

The pacing is well done in these first five volumes as it gives readers the basics and introduces the main players. It introduces The Adversary and how the Fables came to be in the mundane world. (Which is actually a pretty clever and funny story when told by King Cole.) Thankfully that’s not the focus right now. It focuses on how the people of Fabletown are dealing with living in this world and takes place around a murder. While I guessed how it would end, the murder/who dun it part, it was still fun getting to that conclusion with Wolf.

What a cast to pick from! Snow White, so far, is the leading lady and boy is she quite the woman! I’m starting to think that White is very popular as she’s the one that always seems to get the most love, and kick ass personality, when she’s reimagined in a story. She’s the Director of Operations of Fabletown, and she handles it amazingly! That’s not to say some of the other ladies don’t get makeovers. I have a feeling that Cinderella and I are going to get a long quite nicely once she gets more page time. Beauty isn’t what I had hoped for, but maybe that will change over time. Rose Red is quite the interesting character, and sure she’s not the normal big princess, but I like her!

What’s more is no one has their happily ever after. Two of the “big” princess have already gone through divorces and one is battling it out for the long haul.  Martial issues of the happily ever after kind, too cool. These realistic takes are my bread and butter!

Prince Charming is such a slut. Man he’s going to be a character I love to loath. Especially because of his dialogue. There’s some bedroom scene dialogue that practically had me laughing until I hurt. Jack is an interesting type, he’s the quick to make a buck and idiot type. Bluebeard is so fascinating! And scary. I’m going to love his character. Then there’s Bigby Wolf.

Ah. No matter the media form I can’t say no to a man who changes into a wolf. To top that this is THE Big Bad Wolf. I’d like him to huff and puff my—OK I’ll stop. (Things could get awkward. Fast.) Wolf is the perfect Sherriff of Fabletown. Not to mention his looks and personality fill that old time cop feel that I love. Solving the murder with him was a true treat. It was a mix of old school detective work and CSI. (Well low tech CSI.)

This was a great introductory to the Fables universe. It’s got my attention and I am revved up for the next collection! Plus, I want to know what happened with the Dwarves that makes Snow White so touchy! I need Cinderella's development! As sad as it is to say I need more horridly naughty Charming moments. Wolf. Yeah, totally need more of him. Clearly The Adversary is going to come into conflict, maybe a big battle for the homeland back. For now though I’ll take what the series is offering while it builds up to it. Gritty takes on fables in the modern age! Nothing is off limits.

Sexual Content: No nudity, but there is sex. Plenty of sexual humor. Very much adult.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Fables (1) Fables (2) Fables (3) Fables (4) Fables (5) Fables (6) Fables (7) Fables (8) Fables (9) Fables (10) Fables (11) Fables (12) Fables (13) Fables (14) Fables (15) Fables (16) Fables (17) Fables (18) Fables (19) Fables (20) Fables (21) Fables (22)	Fables (1) Fables (2) Fables (3) Fables (4) Fables (5) Fables (6) Fables (7) Fables (8) Fables (9) Fables (10) Fables (11) Fables (12) Fables (13) Fables (14) Fables (15) Fables (16) Fables (17) Fables (18) Fables (19) Fables (20) Fables (21) Fables (22)	Collected Issues Single Issues

Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, book 1) by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Fantasy
(Fairytale Retelling)
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Hardcover | Kindle
Goodreads: A Court of Thorns and Roses (1)

When 19-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it ... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

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Review:

Oh. My. Bookness! It feels like ages since I've been afraid to read a book because it's so good. No really. Every time I had a chance to read A Court of Thorns and Roses it pained me because I knew I wouldn't have enough time in that sitting. I'd have to stop myself! Heck I almost caved and read past midnight on that first night, when I knew I needed sleep for a big day. So painful!

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a PERFECT example of how Young Adult and Adult books merging into perfection create: New Adult. It's such a potent high for a reader of both. Especially since Maas' writing is fabulous in CoTaR. The wonderful growing journey of young adult books flavored with adult themes. Actually . . . I don't like to compare. But . . . I feel like fans of Cruel Beauty who wanted that extra nudge into darkness and seduction (me!) will love CoTaR.

Man I adored Feyre. She could have totally ended up being a stereotype, but Maas has created a unique individual. Life has made her lose hope, become so hateful and warped that she doesn't think twice about taking a life. Of an evil Fae of course. Her journey and development is what I have been begging authors to create. I don't always want to agree with the heroine, but at least I understand her actions. That's fine by me, I enjoy reading about someone. Not a blank slate. Feyre is strong and an independent thinker. She's a huntress, a protector, sometimes a villain, smart, deprecating, caring, ruthless, brave, determined, cray-cray, and basically all kinds of awesome.

The fairytale this is based off is a pretty heavy indicator of where the romance is going and basic storyline. However, it's just like a guideline. Maas has poured so much unique aspects in. The world is amazing and it feels so good to have a totally stable and well created world. Lately it has felt like authors have forgotten how important decent world building is. The story, plot, and world are not deprived of anything. Even with this being a romance in the end. Which lately it feels like if I want a romance, I might as well kissing everything goodbye. While my biggest gripe lately has been how characters fall in love in one book, Maas showcases how it use to be done. How writing so powerful, coupled by a TRUE romance, can get away with it. The story of love here is amazing and it's realism of how people can react to it. (And things don't go perfectly planned.)

My only issue was the last act of the book. It was all brilliant, developing characters and making this a bookworm’s paradise. Then it happened. I realized that this itch I had when a certain villainous type of man showed up and “saved” Feyre. Ah, the bad boy. Yep. What is clearly the beginning of a love triangle. The epicenes of the love story here deserves better. Or maybe I'm just annoyed that EVERYTHING apparently needs some kind of love triangle. I get it, it's a series and it would be just boring for a couple so in love to be the focus. Because apparently that shouldn't be done. Maybe I'm just jumping the gun. But everything was almost perfect. But I felt like the setup for the third wheel was so heavy handed. Even when this guy did ugly despicable things, deep down there were stirrings in Feyre’s heart. So the last amazing Act of this book was read in vocal pissed off commentary. (Yeah, I got some crazy looks in public.) It hurts how much I need the next book, but how it's tempered by fear of that darn love triangle looming ahead.

From beginning to end CoTaR is amazing. My review is missing a lot of points of why A Court of Thorns and Roses is reading perfection! And I'm sure very few readers will be upset about the setup of a love triangle. (OK, maybe to most it’s a very tiny part of the story.) The third wheel is an interesting character . . . it's just the one cliché I had hoped to escape from the series. Tamlin is an amazing character and will forever be one of my favorite book crushes. I love that he comes off rude and awkward, and readers get to discover his true self along with Feyre. Maas has proved to me why I need to give another look at her Throne of Glass series. The writing, emotions, character development, story, and world is the kind of writing that makes me proud to be a flaming bookworm!

Sexual Content: It’s not over the top, but there is sex. Feyre is not a virgin and she owns her sexuality. It’s great to see another female lead (and the first I’ve read in New Adult) to own it. No slut shaming here. Thank you.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
A Court of Thorns and Roses (1) Untitled (2) Untitled (3)	A Court of Thorns and Roses (1) Untitled (2) Untitled (3)	A Court of Thorns and Roses (1) Untitled (2) Untitled (3)

Review: Scarlet

Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles, book 2) by Marissa Meyer

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
(Dystopian)
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Scarlet (1)

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison--even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

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Review:

As a reader I've always been fond of books with multiple point of views. POVs are fantastic when utilized right. Transforming the story into a more emotional, suspenseful, intense, well developed world. Not to mention the chance to have wider cast of epic characters. Or the downside. Worthless characters, too many POVs, and too much useless information. That said when I finally realized that Scarlet's story would have a changing POV with Cinder and Kai I was ecstatic! Because the last book just barely introduced Cinder and Kai, and there was no way their story ended there.

Scarlet is a compelling character and I can't wait for more interaction between her and Cinder. They're such great female leads! They aren't stereotypical females in some gimmicky book. They feel like good friends. Wolf is very interesting character. However. I would suggest reading—highly!—The Queen's Army. It gives a really important insight to Wolf and without it I probably wouldn't have connected to him so much. Or understood him at all. Especially as Scarlet and Wolf draw together and their story goes. What I love more is how all of the character's stories in the time line are perfectly timed. It enhances the suspense and enters Scarlet into the realm of great story telling.

The politics of the worlds are becoming more and more vital to the story. Watching the politics play out as they become a more real part of The Lunar Chronicles. Becoming global and expanding into space. Seeing Kai's struggle through the mire and especially having to set aside his own personal wants. Cinder is dealing with her truth and it feels horrible that after all of the things she's been through she honestly doesn't have much choice. This book is a full of character struggles. It gets pretty dark at many points. Scary things, and viscous deaths happen.

Sadly some of my worries from the last book, and the shorts, were present. To start off on a positive note the quality of the writing went up. Characters actually were described! Emotional connections were made! By bookness the writing was actually creating and not just telling. There were a few barren parts, like experiencing space for instance. Still the writing was pretty darn good! Not once did I get a POV mixed up and I felt like each character had their own voice.

Unfortunately many of my questions from the last book remain unanswered. More pressing why is it never brought up: Are other planets inhabited? Because if it suddenly pops up that there are it's going to feel so out of place. Why are there so many spaceships and races in space if it's just the earth and the moon? And when and HOW was it colonized (the moon)? If you've checked out my first review I can go on and on! And even then I held myself back. There's so much potential and it irks me when a universe isn't explored fully.

That being said Scarlet was so much fun! The sci-fi twists on these fairytales are so fun! Especially since Scarlet was very abstract with how it adhered to the fairytale. Even better were the quotes from the story of Red Riding Hood. Cool! This book definitely kicks The Lunar Chronicles up into some good story telling! It has just the right amount of humor and scary bits. Blending non-magic fairytales with science fiction.

The writing has improved, things don't feel as bare! While it's not providing me with the proper world building to become a “beautiful obsession” The Lunar Chronicles are an enchanting and captivating read. No, not just because I'm dying to actual get some answers. (That I think are so basic for world building!) Really I'm dying to see what Cress's story brings as she will be the first Lunar besides Wolf's short to show readers what being a Luna on Lunar is like. Since she's supposed to be Rapunzel I'm wondering how much will be shown outside of her “tower”. Love the changing POVs and I'm also looking forward to seeing characters from Cinder/Scarlet have there turns. It's clear this “gimmick” series is more than that and fans of both fairytales and science fiction should not miss. Oh, and if you love gender blending. Scarlet, The Lunar Chronicles, hits the spot.

Sexual Content: Hmmmm, everything is very mild. Still fun.

  
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Glitches (0.5) The Little Android (0.6) Cinder (1) The Queen’s Army (1.5) Scarlet (2) Cress (3) Fairest (3.5) The Princes and the Guard (3.6) Winter (4)	Glitches (0.5) The Little Android (0.6) Cinder (1) The Queen’s Army (1.5) Scarlet (2) Cress (3) Fairest (3.5) The Princes and the Guard (3.6) Winter (4)	Glitches (0.5) The Little Android (0.6) Cinder (1) The Queen’s Army (1.5) Scarlet (2) Cress (3) Fairest (3.5) The Princes and the Guard (3.6) Winter (4)