Jessica LeakeReseñas

A fast paced Irish adventure with Vikings!

Full review over on the blog kymisanreads.blogspot.com

3.5 stars

"THERE ARE COUNTLESS MONSTERS IN THIS world. Some with fangs, some who skitter in the darkness just out of sight, some who wear human skin but whose hearts have turned dark as forest shadows....I knew that these men and women I’d grown up with—they thought of me as a monster, too. I wasn’t sure they were wrong."

I feel weirdly torn after reading this book. There was a lot of things I liked about it and I had a fun time reading it, but it felt like I’d read the story before. Through the White Wood is a Slavic-inspired fantasy story that brings elemental powers to life in impactful ways as the prince and a powerful outcast with an unknown history my save their country from being overrun.

Things I Liked
I always love elemental magic. It’s one of my favorite magic systems and I thought it was done very well here. I could feel the chill from Katya’s ice powers.

The slavic folklore influence was wonderful. I loved seeing the different spirits and witches sprinkled through the story. It really made the setting and atmosphere come alive.

Things I Didn’t Like
My biggest disappointment was the lack of tension and surprises throughout the story. The story never really hooked me because it never really surprised me. I new what was going to happen next, I could easily guess the reveals that were coming. It just made the story not exciting to read.

Even though the plot was lackluster, the setting was enough for me to enjoy the story. And it was such a quick read that I think it a great book to pick up if you’re in the mood for a fantasy, but it doesn’t require as much detailed focus as other high fantasy stories. Through the White Wood is a good story to pick up if you want an impactful setting and a cooling atmosphere.

I received a copy of the book from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I loved both The Bear and the Nightingale and Frostblood, so of course, I excitedly picked up Jessica Leake’s Through the White Wood, thanks to the blurb comparisons. I’m glad to say it did not disappoint.

Katya can control ice. Except, well, she has little control, actually. As a result, she ends up taken to the menacing Prince Sasha—and naturally, her whole life changes. She soon discovers more to the truth about who she is, how to use her ability, and a prince who has a power not so unlike her own.

A story of friendship, magic, romance, and danger, Through the White Wood is fast-paced, engaging, and fun. I love how Leake pulled me into the story and made me care about these characters and what would happen. It’s definitely an enjoyable read, and I highly recommend it to fantasy lovers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

For a book that promised a warrior maiden protagonist and a world filled with the dark delights of Norse and Celtic mythology, this book did NOT pay off.

First of all, Ciara just wasn't a relatable character for me. Her emotional responses to things were indifferent at best, and her feelings were told in thoughts and dialogue that made it difficult for me to care about her. Her relationships with the other characters were quite changeable, and frankly? I just don't believe her.

The magic system here had very limited, easily retracted consequences that meant a lot wasn't put on the line for the success of these characters. Thanks again to Ciara's flat personality, the few things that WERE at stake, I couldn't care less about. In a setting that should be dark and magical, we spend too much time traveling pointlessly in circles and trying to force a love story that didn't seem to click.

My biggest pet peeve, though, was in the details. There were multiple inconsistencies in the text with even my very LIMITED knowledge of Celtic and Norse mythology. Beyond the mythos - if you want to write that part off as creative license - there were parts written into the setting and world building that didn't make sense. At one point, a character mentions there was a formidable army of 50 that they defeated, and I had to slam the book down, because 50 is somewhere between a scouting party and war council - definitely not an ARMY. The fact checking to add realism here just... did not seem to happen. And that totally broke the illusion for me.

I think that this book still has the potential to be enjoyed by a lot of people. Not everyone reads books in the same way that I do, and not everyone is looking for the depth and world building that I have come to expect from my fantasy. I think that there are a lot of people out of there who would really enjoy this one, but it just fell WAY below my expectations.

3.75 stars

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Very Good
Recommended: Recommended
Level: High School

Jessica Leake’s Beyond A Darkened Shore blends together Norse and Celtic mythology, magic, mystery, romance, and bloodshed as two enemies are forced to become allies on an epic quest to save both of their people.

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Ciara, our female protagonist, is fierce, capable, and full of magic and a thirst for vengeance against the one that murdered her sister. Leif, a Northman, and Ciara’s sworn enemy is quite similar. Having also lost his sister to a gruesome death, he too seeks vengeance against the murderer. When the two find each other in battle, a mystical force sends them a message declaring they must become allies in order to both prevail and not only get vengeance, but also protect their people. There’s a decent amount of action throughout the story and a lot of descriptions of death in battle and the horrifying ways in which it occurs, so be aware if you have sensitivities.

Leif and Ciara are both fleshed out pretty well, with their magical abilities and their reasoning for their actions, but overall, they aren’t really anything new to the YA genre. They fit a lot of molds that already exist, which isn’t a bad thing, but isn’t particularly interesting either. I did quite enjoy their banter and the fact that they were enemies to friends to lovers, which is basically my most favorite trope ever.

I don’t know a lot about the mythology that was presented, both Norse and Celtic, but I really liked getting to learn more about each, especially the idea of an army of the dead. I got major Return of the King vibes, which I am 100 percent here for. The story as a whole was easy to follow, if a little slow in the middle, but overall really well written and enjoyable to read.½

** spoiler alert ** A really good sequel to Arcana. I think I actually liked this one a little better. The Sylvani have already been explained, and the reader gets to spend time there, which is awesome because it’s a wonderfully drawn world (no pun intended, as Lucy, the protagonist, is an excellent artist who embues her work, at first unknowingly, with arcana. I think one of the reasons I liked this book was because of the _could have beens_ that weren’t. It would have been really easy to set it up as a full-on love triangle, and it wasn’t, because the third wasn’t invested enough. It could have been a horrible villain love interest who needs redeeming—now, this could be a toss up, but Alexander, I believe, _never_ meant Lucy any harm. His background was more of an accomplice than an actual villain (still, an accomplice to pretty awful things), but he was well and truly misled from the very beginning, which makes his redemption, upon realizing this and turning toward genuine atonement, almost unnecessary.

Also regarding Alexander—his fighting ability may have been supplemented by his arcana, but he came about it the way really good fighters do: practice, practice, and more practice. I thought it was nice that he had knowledge of herbs, because some traditions and cultures are very conscious of how everything is connected, and knowing about different things like that is normal. One of the closest characters I can think of like that off the top of my head is Aragorn from LOTR.

And I also really liked what Lucy’s grandmother does with Rose. That could have been turned into a somewhat unbelievable recovery but it wasn’t.

Another thing I enjoyed was that the villain’s plot wasn’t overwhelmingly complicated. I don’t mean that as an insult. I think some authors get so caught up in making things incredibly intricate they lose sight of the trees for the forest. Sometimes reading things with fewer characters who you can get really attached to, with a plot that doesn’t become nonsensical trying to be clever, is truly a relief. Given that, I thought the encounter between Lord Titus and Tyrell was pretty brilliant. Talk about getting ones wires crossed in terms of intentions. Snort. It’s nice to have time to enjoy extraordinary ballrooms.

And I think the fact that I noticed those things shows how much they are used in other fiction, and that the lack of them really makes the story better.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other books by this author.

** spoiler alert ** A fun and unique story. Another world’s magic and historical England collide. A new twist on the nature of what the villain covets, and a broody, handsome, and unique hero. I really liked Katherine’s relationship with her immediate family (her grandmother, not so much). The journal from her long since passed mother was a nice touch.

“The laws are clear: there are only two strong enough to defeat them. One born for it, the other through great sacrifice.”

I will always pick up a mythology book. It’s one of my book buzz words that almost guarantees I will be interested in reading a book. I’m happy to say that Beyond a Darkened Shore did not disappoint me.Beyond a Darkened Shore follows Ciara and Leif, two people with special powers, who might be the only ones capable of stopping a looming destruction. Yes this synopsis sounds completely unoriginal and boring, but I really enjoyed the book - which is saying a lot because almost all of my March reads were lackluster.

Things I Liked
As I said above all things mythology and getting to see Celtic and Norse mythology was a huge selling point. I loved learning all about the gods, the history of both Ciara and Leif’s people and seeing the rich worldbuilding come to life.

I am such an easy going shipper - I’m go with the flow on romances in stories like 90% of the time. That said, while the romance isn’t a selling point of the story for me, I definitely had a goofy grin on my face a time or two. Ciara & Leif were such a well-balanced match that bickered, but respected each other and were all around entertaining.

There was a lot of action in the story, as one would expect with a world-altering battle taking place. But here the stakes felt high, and there was tension in the action, which I always appreciate.

Things I Didn’t Like
While I did like the action through the entire story, the final battle felt little anticlimactic. Things just got a little too easy and everything happened a little too quickly. I would have liked some more consequences overall.

Last few chapters kinda felt like prolonged epilogue to me. Not in a bad way, but I felt like there was an ending point that was beautiful and perfect and fit the story, but then there was 3 more chapters.

I seem to finally be moving out of my mediocre reading phase and I couldn’t be happier with all the Spring releases coming up! Beyond a Darkened Shore is an actiony and engaging story of sacrifice and honor that you can’t miss.

I received a copy of the book from HarperTeen via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend.

To her dismay, James Thornewood appeared at the end of Lucy's fencing lesson . She hadn't seen the gallant brother of her brother-in-law in three years...Of course he would attend her coming out debut. She tried to hide the embarrassment over the memory of the stolen kiss and his abrupt departure after he had revealed error undying love for him. Now she must endure the awkwardness of not only seeing him again but to live in the same house until after the Ball. Must they feel so awkward? Could they just be friend's again?
Lately, her arcana had developed to the point of taking over her drawings, she was determined to remain in control. While concentrating on her debut, she begins to sketch the throne room in detail and all the many people in attendance. Suddenly, she was drawn into a new scene beyond her control. She was drawn out of her body into Buckingham Palace and man of Eastern influence catches her eye. As he approaches, a small voice calls to her. It is her young two year old niece Issie. Her spirit, gratefully, returns to her body and bedroom. She cannot low her arcana to control her as it did her sister years before. Her sister nearly died. However, the lack of control had never happened to her before...even more shocking, Izzie was able to see the too!
At her ball, on the outside terrace, the man from inside error drawing was there! How could this be?
From that point on the intrigue, mystery, action, and romance propels forward. Her maternal grandmother living in a other realm becomes an important "player" in this saga. Lucy is faced with difficult choices...ones which could alienate her from the very ones she loves. She discovers dangers which may ultimately end her mortal life.
This book can be read as a "stand alone" but I feel I would have a greater appreciation for It if I had read the first one. Still, it was captivating and the characters the characters all "came to life " and the scenes were easily visualized. The book title and cover erected chosen well except Lucy has very blond hair. The girl on the cover is depicted with brown, almost Auburn, hair .
*This book was gifted me, but that does not influence my honest review.
I deem this novel worthy of a Four and a Half Stars rating½

Enjoyed this - the romance was predictable (although, honestly, I kind of think they all are) but it was fun getting there. Made me think of Mary Robinette Kowal. The author isn't as good a writer,but for a debut novel it was very good.

Katherine Sinclair has the power of arcana, magic drawn from the power of the sun. Her mother was a Sylvan, passing the power down to her children. Katherine's arcana is particularly powerful, with the ability to heal. However, with power comes responsibility and in the early 1900's, Katherine must be careful to not be accused of being a witch. At the age of debut, Katherine and her younger sister are sent away from their country estate where they have the freedom to roam and ride horses to the stuffy and rule-filled London season with their Grandmother. Katherine must make her debut amid London society and find a suitor that will not betray her and her gift. Luckily, she has her mother's enchanted journal for guidance which warns her of two suitors, each with their own intentions.

I loved the premise of this book, a girl born with magic fueled by the sun who must be careful with how she practices her magic, or be called a witch. Katherine, or Wren, is a great character. She would rather be racing horses with her brother, has an incredibly quick wit and is compassionate and caring. The descriptions of the London debut season were elegant, with the gowns, carriages and dances. The two men that Katherine must choose between are presented early and each of their intentions become obvious rather quickly. The majority of the book is Katherine vying for the attentions of each man, quickly finding out which one means her harm and then regaining the attentions of the other. These parts dragged a bit for me, however, there were some racier romantic parts that piqued my interest. I would have loved to see the magic and paranormal aspects woven into Katherine's story a bit more, the land of Sylvani was intriguing and I would have loved to see what else could be done with the powers of arcana.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

It is 1905, and 18-year-old Katherine Sinclair is unlike other young ladies. She has inherited the gift of arcana from her mother, which is power derived from the sun allowing her to manipulate elements and heal people and animals. Katherine has enjoyed freedom in the country with her widowed father, as well as with her brother and sister, but her father insists they join her grandmother in London to make her debut into London society. Read the rest of the review on my blog: http://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2014/09/02/arcana-jessica-leake/