Review: Azuri Fae

Azuri Fae (Caledonia Fae, #2) by India Drummond

Published November 20th 2011 by Trindlemoss Publishing
Kindle Edition, 250 pages
Source: From the Author for a honest review

"Book 2 in the Caledonia Fae series.

A faerie prince disappears in the borderlands, and his father enlists the help of outcast Eilidh and her bonded druid, Quinton Munro. Tantalised with hints of a lost and ancient magic, they learn that time is working against them every step of the way. Is the prince’s disappearance related to the vanishing of an entire Scottish village?

Faced with deception, assassination attempts, and a mad queen who would sacrifice her own child to keep a dreaded secret, Eilidh struggles with an impossible situation. Her people demand she commit treason and betray the man she loves. Will she do what duty requires, or throw away the chance to reunite the kingdom in exchange for the life she hadn't dared hope for? "

- From Goodreads

 

9/10

This series right here is the reason I accept Author request books. Every now and then you find a gem like this!

Ms. Drummond does not disappoint. The world of Eilidh and Munro is explored even more and you get to see the Fae side of life. It is fascinating! 

While creating a world of mystery and romance with epic fantastical proportions Ms. Drummond does not loose sight of her characters. She has a way of giving uniqueness to each character and making their decisions and actions seem natural.

Once again I stress the importance of uniqueness in novels and the ability to take me by surprise! Check and check.
  
Eilidh has quite a few paths to choose from in this novel and you will be on the edge of your seat! The Fae way of seeing things, their traditions and even their royal intrigue does not disappoint and will leave you begging for more! 

Read this series if you want something different and even more so if you don't like Faeries/Fae! I never have and Ms. Drummond has made me a convert.

http://www.indiadrummond.com/

http://www.facebook.com/india.drummond.author

https://twitter.com/#!/IndiaDrummond

https://plus.google.com/103372168541051530608/posts

http://www.amazon.com/India-Drummond/e/B004VKMP4E/

http://www.indiadrummond.com/contact/email-me/

“"When I was her age," Munro said to Eilidh, "I was chasing frogs."
Oron Chuckled. "When I was your age, I was chasing frogs. Come. We have things to discuss."”

Book 3: Enemy of the Fae (Coming 2012)
 

 

Review: Blood Faerie

Blood Faerie (Caledonia Fae, Book #1) by India Drummond

Published June 1st 2011 by Trindlemoss Publishing

ebook, 203 pages
Source: From the Author for a honest review.
You can buy it here or here

"Sentenced to death, Eilidh ran—away from faerie lands, to the streets of Perth, Scotland. Just as she has grown accustomed to exile, local police discover a mutilated body outside the abandoned church where she lives. Recognising the murder as the work of one of her own kind, Eilidh must choose: flee, or learn to tap into the forbidden magic that cost her everything. "

- From Goodreads

 

9/10

When Ms Drummond contacted me about her new novel Blood Faerie, I had no idea what an astonishing world awaited me! Faeries, crime, mystery, romance, suspense, fantasy all rolled into one to make an outstanding novel.

I mentioned in my review of Ordinary Angels “my mind would drift, but that might just be because too many things were happening at once in the story.” but not in this novel. It was perfectly paced and the story flowed effortlessly.

Eilidh and Quinton are fascinating characters that are richly described! I kept having visions of the Eilidh looking something like this:

Although the cover really captures her essence.

Quinton Munro has a "strong" feel to him, like he will protect you no matter what. Together these characters tell a story than I can’t wait to continue!

I liked that Eilidh isn’t a stereotypical pretty fairy with wings. I also enjoyed the crime scene and druid scenario.

I love the little bits where the Fae are introduced to technology and their responses to it!

Will most certainly read the next one in the series!

Spoilers:

Pretty shocked that Soar died, I thought he would be in the next one and there might be a triangle. But I love being taken by surprise and I'm not too fond of triangles.

I hoped Beniss would stay alive so she could mentor Eilidh.

http://www.indiadrummond.com/
http://www.facebook.com/india.drummond.author
http://twitter.com/#!/indiadrummond

"His mum had loved her ornaments, as she called them, but when she died, his dad waited about a week before boxing them up and giving them to a charity shop. “I loved your mum, Quinton,” he’d said, “but I hate them fuckin’ porcelain cats.”

Azuri Fae by India Drummond

 

Review: The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories

The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke

Published September 3rd 2007 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (first published 2005)

Paperback, 228 pages
Isbn: 0747589364

Source: This was a gift from a friend

You can also buy it at Bookdepository for $11.57

"Following the enormous success of 2004 bestseller and critics' favorite Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Susanna Clarke delivers a delicious collection of ten stories set in the same fairy-crossed world of 19th-century England. With Clarke's characteristic historical detail and diction, these dark, enchanting tales unfold in a slightly distorted version of our own world, where people are bedeviled by mischievous interventions from the fairies. 

With appearances from beloved characters from her novel, including Jonathan Strange and Childermass, and an entirely new spin on certain historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, this is a must-have for fans of Susanna Clarke and an enticing introduction to her work for new readers. Some of these stories have never before been published; others have appeared in the New York Times or in highly regarded anthologies."

 

7/10

This collection of Fairy Tales was quite a treat! Each one was so different yet pleasing. I went on several adventures in this novel and felt like each one was told at exactly the right length to keep one entertained with just the right amount of leaving you wanting more.

One of these fascinating stories is a retelling of Rumplestilskin and one of the stories is set in Neil Gaiman's town of Wall!

Brilliantly written in a period style these stories will tickle you leave and you enchanted!

http://www.contemporarywriters.com/authors/?p=auth519D18CE02e1d16A2CSmOkDB9E4C

"Magic, madam, is like wine and, if you are not used to it, it will make you drunk."
— Susanna Clarke (The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories)

"The governess was not much liked in the village. She was too tall, too fond of books, too grave, and, a curious thing, never smiled unless there was something to smile at."
— Susanna Clarke (The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories)

None

Review: Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Published: May 1st 2009 by HarperTeen
Hardcover, 294 pages 
Isbn13: 9780061668036

Goodreads Summary
In a time when the world was ravaged by chaos, one kingdom remains; ordered, isolated, protected. Then Tabitha Serannon awakens an ancient power and t...more 
"Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever."

My Take: 

This was an ok read. It showed me a side of fairies i have never read before. I like the "science" behind it all! It was unique in some ways, but cringe worthy in others.

Don't ask me why, but it reminded me of Artemis Fowl. Not a bad thing, I just keep on seeing cartoony characters, which kind of put me off.

The plot was also a bit meh....

But other than that, the story really flowed well, and it kept me busy :P

*Spoilers*

I'm not sure I like the whole, I don't know who to choose part. Maybe I'm just tired of the scenario.

My Questions:

Where is the plot?

Does Laurel actually have a personality?

Where are the wings?!?

It seems Miley Cyrus is going to play Laurel in the movie..... That is the last person I thought looked like her.... I hope they are not serious?

Favourite Quote:

"There's always someone who secretly believes in myths and legends; or at least parts of them. Those are the people who will look beyond the obvious and see things in this world that are truly wonderful... But they won't say anything, even if they do. Because the rest of us who view the world as logical and scientific wouldn't see the truth if it was posted up on a billboard. "
 
Link to the Author: 

http://www.aprilynnepike.com/

Videos that will make you want to read this series:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iPbbjJEW1E&feature=player_embedded

My Rating:

5/10

Next Instalment:

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

 

Might read it....