Insignia - S.J. Kincaid

Soon to be a trilogy, Insignia was honestly one of the greatest things I pulled off the Teen-Fantasy shelf at Barnes and Noble in a very long time. I found it during one of my B&N day trips where I had fully intended to go in and peruse. I saw the cover, opened up the novel, and read the summary on the jacket. My initial thought was, “It's another one of those books.” You know, the classic whether to save the world or not, spiel. So, I did what everyone does, I started to read the book right where I stood.

It is World War III and the enemy is winning. These days, war is no longer personal; it’s all digital and virtual. Government hardly exists and the world is broken into two major factions: the Indo-American Alliance and the Russo-Chinese Alliance. Mega-corporations drive the factions; everything is a commodity these days. Especially the war.

The corporations sponsor certain Combatants – soldiers in the war. The wars are fought in space, using machines. There is no actual loss of life. The Combatants are young, elite fighters, who wield the war machines in virtual space. There is only one public face to the soldiers, however. Elliot Ramirez is the handsome, charismatic, combatant who fights under the alias: “Ares.”

Our protagonist, Tom Raines, is miserable. For years, he has hopped from casino to casino with his unlucky, gambler of a father. Tom’s only purpose in life is to make sure they have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. While his father loses money, Tom goes out and makes it. Scrawny, unattractive, and poor, Tom does what he does best: he plays video games. He is a skilled, brilliant gamer, and knows it. So, he takes to the arcades in casinos and earns his survival. He’s missed so much online school that his teacher threatens to contact social services. His father’s paranoia keeps them off the grid, which inhibits Tom from consistently attending his classes. Tom’s skill in-game and out-of-game as a con artist gains the attention of someone rather unexpected.

The 14 year-old draws the attention of a General. The man approaches Tom in an arcade after watching the boy complete a military simulation. He offers the struggling teen the chance of a lifetime: to become a Combatant. Tom’s father heatedly objects to the idea, skeptical of the corporations that drive society. Tom, however, can’t pass this opportunity up – his chance to be important. He would be a super-human war machine, with the tech skills he could only dream of. Tom finds himself at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy, training to be a member of the Intra-Solar Forces. This new life has everything Tom could ever ask for, but at what cost? Was his father right to keep them off the grid?

Insignia is not just for techies, gamers, or boys. It’s fast-paced, witty, precise, hilarious, heart wrenching, and all around brilliant. I’m so excited to see what the second book has in store for us, not to mention the rest of the series! Insignia is very reminiscent of a much beloved book The Ender’s Game, but should be treated as its own, because the two are also very different. I absolutely loved this book. The entire story took me by surprise. Every single character seemed important in a specific way, which tickled me. No one felt superfluous.

I don't think I truly did the book justice. I really enjoyed it and thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants a fun read. It’s quite the page-turner. I bought it after Chapter 1 and finished it as the sun was coming up that night. It was worth every minute.

Read more about the characters, backstory, and keep up-to-date on the series by checking out S.J. Kincade's own blog! It's quite fantastic!

Happy Reading!

-- Isabel

Tamora Pierce, 2: The Circle Universe

Will contain SPOILERS of sorts.

I welcome back an author I consider to be stellar. Tamora Pierce is back with 3 series this time. Rather significantly fewer than the 5 in the Tortall Universe, but not any less well written or interesting. I happen to love the Circle Universe almost as much as the Tortall Universe. This time, these 4 protagonists must be read chronologically, as I review them. There will be spoilers. There is no way to avoid them.

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The Circle Universe:

Initially set in Emelan, a powerful country in this world, the Circle Universe begins in the city, Summersea. As a port city, Summersea is both a stronghold and the capitol of Emelan. Again the world is structured very similarly to that of the Middle Ages in Europe. Summersea has a monarchy, court, nobility, knights, and such, just as Tortall does. (Click here for the Tortall Universe).

Again, magic is a normal thing is this world. Although not everyone possesses magic, it is common and accepted in society. Winding Circle is a temple-city just outside of Summersea, where there is a center for those with ambient magic go to study. It is just as prestigious as the Lightsbridge University for Academic Magic. The temple serves as a school for the general population as well. But, once the students turn 16, they must become a novice of the Living Circle (the pagan religion of Emelan) or leave the school.

The Series:

Sandry’s Book (1997), Tris’ Book (1998), Daja’s Book (1998), Briar’s Book (1999)

The Circle of Magic – 10 year-old’s Sandreline “Sandry” fa Toren, Trisana “Tris” Chandler, Daja Kisubo, and Briar Moss (formerly known as Roach) are introduced to the reader. They are all “ambient mages” – they are all able to use magic externally. Niklaren “Niko” Goldeye, a powerful mage, discovers these four and puts them into a cottage aptly named, Discipline.

Dedicate Rosethorn and Dedicate Lark run Discipline Cottage - they are two rather opposite women. Where Dedicate Lark is soft and kind, Dedicate Rosethorn is rough and commanding. Discipline serves as a home to “special cases” in Winding Circle. Generally, it is for students who don’t get along with others during their education.

There the four learn about their strange abilities: Sandry is able to manipulate thread and fabric; Tris is able to manipulate the weather; Daja has an affinity to manipulate fire and metal; Briar is able to manipulate plant-life. Niko pairs them with teachers, but can everyone get along? Can a noblewoman, a street-rat, a Trader (a trading race despised by most), and a merchant realize their potential and set their differences and pride aside? Can they master their uncommon magic and earn the respect of the adults they encounter? Can they protect themselves, let alone those around them? Perhaps… Perhaps not.

Magic Steps (2000), Street Magic (2001), Cold Fire (2002), Shatterglass (2003)

The Circle Opens – Four years after Sandry’s Book, Winding Circle finally acknowledges the four young mages. With their respective teachers, Briar, Sandry, Tris, and Daja decide to travel around the country. There each find a mage they can teach. Suddenly becoming teachers themselves, the four protagonists struggle to balance their own studies with that of their new students.

In Summersea, Sandry finds a 12 year-old boy, Pasco Acalon, with dance-magic. When a serial killer preys on a rich trading family, Sandry and Pasco work together to defeat the mages and their deadly weapon, unmagic – the absence of magic and life itself. Can their lively magic defeat something so sinister and life-less?

Briar finds a stone-mage named Evvy on the streets of Chammur. But, the sponsor-woman of the Viper Gang has her eye on Evvy. Briar must protect his pupil from the lady’s greed, but also help his teacher with assisting the sickly locals. Can Briar maintain a battle on two fronts?

Daja travels north to Namorn, where she finds twins with magical talent. Nia has an affinity for carpentry and woodwork, and Jory has an affinity for cooking. When someone is setting fires throughout the city, Daja takes it upon herself to help Bennat Ladradun – head of the firefighters – keep Namorn from burning to the ground. Can Daja protect her new friends from the fiery threat?

While the other three branch out, Tris encounters a man named Kethlun “Keth” Warder, a glass mage who “lost” his ability when struck by lightning. After the incident, Keth is able to mix lightning and glass. However, there is a murderer on the loose, and Keth’s glass spheres contain visions of the killer’s work. Keth accidentally creates a living glass creature and refuses to indulge his magic anymore. As Tris tries to convince Keth of his ability, she tries to uncover the identity of this murderer. Can Tris hunt down this murderer without getting killed?

The Will of the Empress (2005)

The Will of the Empress – Sandry’s cousin, the Empress of Namorn, has been begging for her little cousin to visit her for years. Finally, Sandry agrees to see her cousin, but there’s a slight catch. Sandry’s uncle requests that her three mage-friends join her. After years of being apart, the foursome is no longer as chummy as they once were. Now adults, they each carry secrets that, years ago, they once would’ve shared with each other.

Sandry expects a quick visit with her cousin, and then return home to her Uncle in Emelan. But, her Empress cousin has other plans. The four soon find out that the will of the Empress is considered law here in Namorn. If they are to escape, Briar, Sandry, Daja, and Tris must set aside their qualms and learn trust each other as they once did. But, it is easier said than done. Can they repair what was lost?

Tamora Pierce has announced the following book is in the works. The series will be called The Circle Reforged. No word, yet, as to how many books she intends to write for this segment of the story.

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Another book describing what Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn encounter in Yanjing and Gyongxe, is also in the works. An audio book called Melting Stones was released in 2007. It was in Evvy’s perspective as she goes with Rosethorn to determine the source of weird phenomena on an island. This has also been released in book-form since. My sister quite liked it!

Tamora doesn’t seem as though she'll stop writing any time soon. And as long as she writes, I will read whatever she publishes. Give her a try! You may find her books to be your cup of tea! If the Circle Universe isn't your style, try out her Tortall Universe. Perhaps Alanna might be more to your liking.

Happy Reading!

-Isabel

Tamora Pierce, Part 1: The Tortall Universe

She gets ALL of the Stars!!

One of my all time favorite authors, Tamora Pierce, has written approximately 8 series of teen fantasy/fiction novels. The majority of her novels cater to women because her protagonists are females (with the exception of Briar from the Circle Universe). These “teen” books aren’t just for young girls going through adolescence. Women of all ages can enjoy them, too! I still enjoy reading them. My mum liked them, too! The Circle Universe is far more fantastical, but not any less well written and enticing. But, those are for another post. 

I love Pierce's writing style and stories so much; I’ve read almost everything she’s ever written. The only two I can think of, that I haven’t read, are two I haven’t had the chance to read yet. I’m going to review the Tortall Universe chronologically by plot. Spoilers for some things are inevitable, but do not affect reading the books. Plus, they do not need to be read in any specific order. I certainly didn’t! I read Daine, Kel, Alanna, Aly, and then Beka. You'll see!

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The Tortall Universe:

Tortall is a major country in this universe, where these books take place. It’s similar to the Middle Ages in the sense that it has a monarchy, court, nobility, knights, and such. It’s capital, Corus, is the main hub of power and society. Otherwise, it’s a completely different world.

Magic is something very real and practical to all Tortallans. Whether magic comes from the common herb-woman or a mage at the King’s court. Creatures from lore are also very present. There are many religious deities who often play a part in human lives. Sometimes they choose champions or use them to carry out their own purpose. Despite their power, they do not often mettle in human affairs, allowing humanity to shape the world.

The Series:

 Terrier (2006), Bloodhound (2009), and Mastiff (2011)

Beka Cooper Trilogy – George Cooper is caught stealing at the age of 6. His mother, ashamed, tells him the story about his famous ancestress, Rebakah “Beka” Cooper. Beka is a trainee for the Provost’s Guard – Tortall’s equivalent of a police force. In those days, trainees were called “Puppies” and guards were called “Dogs,” both of which were stationed in the “Kennel.” Beka struggles to make her home, the Lower City of Corus, a safer place. Using her street smarts and determination to succeed, Beka battles to protect what she loves from outside threats. These three books about Beka are written in a diary-style, unusual for Tamora Pierce. However, that doesn’t take away from the emphasis on the story. 

Alanna: The First Adventure (1983), In the Hand of the Goddess (1984), The Woman Who Rides Like A Man (1986), and Lioness Rampant (1988)

The Song of the Lioness – 200 Years after Beka Cooper, Alanna of Trebond has found herself in a predicament. Noble-born girls traditionally go to the covenant to learn how to be proper noblewomen and wives. Noble-born boys tend to become knights or study magic. Alanna wants to be a knight. Her twin brother, Thom, wants to study sorcery. The twins’ father is only concerned with his own studies and pays them little attention. The only solution is for Alanna to become Alan and go to the palace instead of her brother. Thom gets his wish, and goes to the temple to study magic. Alanna, disguised as a boy, must work through a world of men to earn her title of Knight. But, is she strong enough? Can she hide her femininity enough? Can she keep up this charade even when she befriends the handsome Prince Jonathan? What about George Cooper, the King of the Rogues? Can she help protect Tortall and her own family? 

Wild Magic (1992), Wolf-Speaker (1994), Emperor’s Mage (1995), and The Realms of the Gods (1996)

The Immortals – Veralidaine “Daine” Sarrasri is an orphaned girl who has an unusual gift of wild magic. Wild magic is not uncommon, but is a disregarded branch of magic. Her magic gives her a unique connection with animals. Her ability to talk to them is mistaken as insanity in her young age. But, eventually, Daine nabs a job with the royal horsemaster, which leads her to the mage Numair Salmalin: the most powerful mage in Tortall. Under his guidance, she learns to control her ability, something that is very important for herself and her companions. While the Carthaki nation is threatening war with Tortall and monsters on their doorsteps, Daine must learn to use her wild magic to help protect her new home and friends. In book one, Daine meets Alanna, which results in spoilers for The Song of the Lioness. As a reader, the reunion with Alanna brought a smile to my face. Tamora Pierce is said to be writing two novels about Numair’s life before meeting Daine.

The Protector of the Small consists of: First Test (1999), Page (2000), Squire (2001), and Lady Knight (2002)

The Protector of the Small – Keladry “Kel” of Mindelan is the first girl to follow in Alanna’s footsteps – legally. After a law is passed allowing girls to try for knighthood, Kel is the first to step forward. As she begins her training, she is constantly harassed, bullied, injured, and put on probation. Her training master doesn’t believe a girl will ever succeed as a knight. The young recruits must survive training, hazing, and bullying to move through the ranks. Kel must also endure these, but not alone. She befriends the wry Nealan “Neal” of Queenscove and Lord Raoul of Goldenlake, an old friend of Alanna’s. As she faces sexism and giant spidrens, among other creatures, Keladry fights to protect what she loves and for the title of “Knight”; something only one woman had done before. This series brings in spoilers for both The Immortals and Song of the Lioness. Despite that, the spoilers do not affect how one enjoys reading the series out of chronological order.

Trickster’s Choice (2003) and Trickster’s Queen (2004)

Tricksters – Alianne “Aly” of Pirate’s Swoop is 16 years old and daughter to Alanna. Aly’s parents refuse to let her work as a Tortallan spy, so Aly leaves home…only to get captured by pirates and sold into slavery in the Copper Iles. There she makes a bet with the trickster god, Kyprioth, to protect the children of the Balitang family. As Aly befriends Nawat Crow, a crow turned man, she finds out there is a far greater conspiracy in the Copper Isles. Can she protect Sarai and Dove Balitang? Can she protect herself? This series of two books is also known as Daughter of the Lioness for … erm … obvious reasons.

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Pick up any of these books for a fantastic read! You will not be disappointed. All of the covers have been remade so they can republish the series. As an owner of the original covers... it makes me feel really old. Haha!! Some of the old covers were better than the new ones! But, also, some of the "2nd Edition" covers were better than the originals and  the new ones. Some make the books look really girly and "teeny-bopper." Don't be dissuade by them! The content is really good!

The Circle Universe will be reviewed in another post… Purely because there are so many in the Tortall Universe and this post is already 2-pages long in Word without aesthetic editing

Happy Reading!

-Isabel

P.S. Hunger Games Film Rant

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

The movie was good. A good standalone movie. I liked how it was filmed and the scenery was spot on. Every location shown, I had imagined to look pretty much like it was in the movie. I can't help but separate this from the book, because – in my opinion – the book was better. I'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of the cast, but it worked. It worked for the film. It's just not how I imagined.

Granted, I am a very tough critic. But, when it comes to book-to-film adaptions, this was done well. Those who haven't read the books will enjoy it and be able to discuss it with those who have. The movie was straightforward and took the main parts of the book. I know it was a little over 2 hours long, but I felt like they moved too fast and the passage of time was skewed. 

I just wasn't moved by some of the things that I had been in the books. When Katniss volunteers for Prim, I felt that was well done. But, at the same time, I just – I dunno. It was good. My friend had to hold my hand through Rue's death, but the tears didn't really come until Katniss put flowers around her body and then saluted the cameras. That moment got me. But, I think – more than anything – it got me because I knew it was coming. I sobbed in the book. It's the one scene I was dreading most, probably because I had imagined it differently. I desperately wanted it to be so ... perfect. And, it was good. The dogs scared the crap out of me. When they jumped out! Bah, hate when things do that in movies. 

Also, I don't know if it was just me, but the people from the Capitol dressed really ... oddly. I had imagined that to be very different, too. I almost couldn't take them seriously. It was a little ... well, odd! Haha! Cinna was great – except for the gold eyeliner. Haymitch was great, too! Gale wasn't too present in the books, and so putting him in more shots of the movie was fantastic. (I'm a Gale fan!) Cato was brilliantly played! I wish Foxface had a little more in the movie. I really liked her character in the book. Thresh is the most badass dude ever. I freakin' loved him. And ... umm ...
I think that's it.

The books are so wonderful! I highly recommend reading them – or just the first – before seeing the movie. I try to separate the two, in my mind, because otherwise I don't know if I'd like it half as much. Again, I am a really harsh critic. And I almost always side with the books. Unless it's The Lord of the Rings. Now those – crikey – those are a masterpiece. It's just – the passage of a hero. Someone goes out on an adventure, learns things, and then comes back changed and ready to teach what he/she learned. Katniss is definitely the heroine here. But, with three books in total, I'm not sure if the movie glorified her a little too much, or just enough. I'll have to see what they do with Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

It's tough to please everyone. Especially in a book-to-film adaption. I was satisfied and content with what was presented to me. I will most likely see it again, later on (after this semester is over). I feel like I might've been a little too cynical, but that was my state of mind when seeing it. And, ultimately, these are my initial reactions. I do want people to go see it, though! It was a great movie!

Happy Reading!

- Isabel

Happy Hunger Games!!

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
4 STARS

Happy Hunger Games everyone! Today is a special day because the film came out today! I intend on seeing it tomorrow because I had a bunch of work to do last night for this morning. *cough* watching the Walking Dead while doing Japanese work *cough* ^u^ But, I thought today I should dedicate a post to a fantastic series.

In a post-apocalyptic North America, 13 Districts make up what remains of the country. Renamed Panem, the country is led by the totalitarian government - stationed in their main city: the Capitol. The Capitol is the snazziest of all the cities, located in the Rocky Mountains, and home to – dictator – President Coriolanus Snow and the wealthy. The people of the districts are desperate, starving, and living in poverty. Each district has a speciality: District 9 is the grain district, District 12 is the coal district, District 2 specializes in masonry and weaponry, District 3 is technology, and many others. They all support the Capitol and, indirectly, each other. The Capitol is in charge of the Panem annual event: the Hunger Games.

The Games originated as punishment for the "Dark Days" of Panem when the 13 Districts rebelled against the Capitol. District 13 was annihilated as the Capitol put out the uprising. Now, the remaining 12 Districts participate in the Games. Every year, there is what's called, "The Reaping." The Reaping is a lottery within each district. Anyone between the ages 12 and 18 must participate – their names are placed in the lottery by the Capitol. One boy and one girl are picked from each district to participate in the nationally televised event: the Hunger Games. The "tributes"– those selected to represent their District – are placed in an outdoor arena that is controlled by the Capitol. Audience members can send things to their favorite tributes in the arena, if they can afford to. The catch is... there can only be one winner of the Hunger Games. That winner will be rewarded with extra food for their District. Thus, the tributes fight, to the death, on national television because: "Only one can survive."

The story follows a 16 year-old girl, Katniss Everdeen, from District 12. As she frets about her younger sister, Primrose, getting picked on her first Reaping, Katniss also worries about the fate of her brash best friend, Gale Hawthorne – who is 18. Both Gale's father and Katniss' father died in a mine explosion, and now the two eldest siblings are the bread-winners for their respective families. If either of them were to get picked for the Games, their families would suffer without them. The Reaping passes, and District 12 have their two tributes.

What will the 74th Annual Hunger Games bring?

There are three books in this series: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. I am not giving too much information on what happens in any of the books - barely the first even. I can't bring myself to do it. Suzanne Collins writes them so ... brilliantly! They really are fantastic! I shall add a "PS" at the end of this once I see the film. I will give my opinions on the adaption, then. I highly recommend this series for guys and gals alike. I suggest the youngest age to read it would be, maybe, 4th grade. Otherwise, the books are written for any age group. Honestly, they're just that good! Any Hunger Games fans out there? Leave a comment below!

May the odds be ever in your favor.

Happy Reading!
Citizen of District 9,
- Isabel