The Night Circus

"The circus arrives without warning. 

"No announcements precede it, no paper notices on downtown posts and billboards, no mentions or advertisements in local newspapers. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not." - The Night Circus

So begins the story of the mysterious yet intriguing Le Cirque des Rêves. 

This is a beautifully written book. Like most attractions at the circus, not all is as it seems. The circus itself is a playing field between two magicians in a deadly magical game. The lives of Celia and Marco depend on the game, and should they step out of line, or even try to change the game, they face the deadly consequences. There is no escape in a duel where only one will be left standing. Whoever wins, and whoever loses is determined by the game itself. 

The only way to review this book, is to spoil it. I will simply say that the book slowly reveals the meaning of events, attractions and additions to the mysterious circus. As Marco and Celia pull the strings, they discover that their own competition is a thread of fate tying them together, and the more they tug on it, the more drawn they are to eachother. But magic has rules, and they are not the only pieces on the chessboard. As the story unfolds, you are given a ticket to the most intriguing, beautiful place you have ever experienced, where every spectacle has a story. 

I give this book five out of five enchanted umbrellas. The ice garden tent was my favorite. 

To read this book is to step into a fairytale under a curtain of stars. 

Return to the Isle of the Lost

Mal, Ben, Carlos, Jay and Evie are back, and they have a new challenge after the events in the film Descendants. Rumors of a dragon are growing in Camelot, while the purple lizard believed to be Maleficent sits silently in a dome at Beast's Castle. Mal is supiscious that her mother is behind the weird weather and the damage that could only be caused by a dragon. Cruelly, Jafar and the Evil Queen are no where to be found. 

King Ben goes to investigate, and during his trip, a new threat appears that could be fatal for the Core four. A new club has appeared on the Isle of The Lost that appears to be against them, and threatens to bring their betrayal to an end. Now the core four must decide what they can do to face their parents, and King Ben must decide whether magic must return to keep Auradon safe from the growing threat. 

This book was very interesting, and it appears that Mal, Jay, Carlos and Evie are more accepted by Auradon, but they still hesitate to know what they want to do with their new lives. They are put to the ultimate test when they learn of the magical talismans that each of their parents have hidden, and they must choose what to do with that power. 

This book was interesting, but at times I was confused by the perspective Mal had on the Isle of the Lost and the titles of villians and heroes. Ben and Mal continue to have a healthy relationship, and each supports the other during their journeys from Auradon. More descendants of the villains are introduced and Neverland is involved as well. The novel does a good job expanding the world of the story with more kingdoms, characters and a new dynamic. The twist at the end of the novel is very clever, especially for children who may not have seen all the Disney movies, and it introduces a new challenge for the core four in terms of who they are, and who their parents want them to be. 

I'd give this book four out of five lamps. 

A Court of Mist and Fury

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I knew that Rhysand would have a much more important role in Feyre's future the moment he showed up in A Court of Thorns and Roses. The way he was described, and the way he helped her with little to no personal gain. 

What I didn't know was that he knew Feyre before he met her. 

It's interesting to see Rhysand's life and the beautiful world of the Night Court. Sarah J. Maas does a wonderful job developing Feyre's character and revealing the twist of the story. 

Feyre was given barely a choice while she lived at the Spring Court. Tamlin doesn't even consider her to be the High Lady. She is merely a consort, and her power is limited in terms of the court. 

Rhysand treats Feyre with more respect, and he truly cares for her. He always gives her the option to leave or stay, and Feyre finds a more welcoming environment at the Night court. 

The twist in this book was no surprise to me, because the author did so well dropping hints in the first book A Court of Thorns and Roses. From the begining, Feyre is drawn to Rhysand, and in this book, we learn why. Watching Feyre change from a helpless consort to a powerful queen was an incredible process. I think this book speaks volumes for teens on the meaning of a healthy relationship versus a toxic one. 

So often the male leads in teen YA are possessive and easily angry. That's taken to be "exciting" and "edgy" but in reality, it's not. It's seriously unhealthy. 

Feyre and Rhys are a team, and I belive that is really important for the young readers of today. The model of a healthy relationship really made this book for me. 

I loved it, and I give it five stars who listen. 

My favorite quote is an exchange between Feyre and Rhysand. 

"To the people who looked at the stars and wished, Rhys" - Feyre

"To the stars who listened and the dreams that are answered." - Rhysand. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This was a book that I literally could not put down. I had to force myself to close the book three times, and then I just gave up and finished it completely. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the story of Feyre, a survivor with an icy heart and a will of steel. Her world changes when she kills a wolf in the forest. A wolf that was not a wolf at all, but a Faerie. As punishment, she is taken to live in the Faerie Realm, a place that she has been taught to dread. With a wall of hatred and blame between the faeries and humans, it is difficult for her to understand why the Faerie that punished her has not killed her. But time passes, and she begins to learn about the history that the faeries and humans have had. 

Feyre learns that heroic deeds come with a price, and not all is what it seems in this strange world of glamours, rumours and danger. 

Sarah J. Maas has written a book that combines Beauty and the Beast and East of the Sun, West of the Moon with the deadly politics of the Faerie Courts of Celtic lore. 

Not only is the story layered by mystery, but the world has been thoroughly created, and the complex characters are well written. 

Maas takes her time introducing each character, dropping clues here and there for the reader to pick up on. 

The story itself is a thrilling ride with unexpected twists and turns. As Feyre decides what is true and what is false, she learns more about the mysterious Fae. Despite the stories she was told, and the cruelty tied to her knowledge, Feyre discovers that the Fae are not so different from humans. 

As she learns more about the Faerie Tamlin, and his clever friend Lucien, Feyre finds a hope that she never knew she had, and maybe her heart wasn't as icy as she trained it to be. 

This book has joined the ranks of my favorite Beauty and the Beast tales, along with Beasty by Alex Flinn and Beauty by Robin McKinley. The mysteries of the fae were intriguing, the history fascinating and Feyre's character was a powerful representation of what it means to be human. 

I will both curse and praise the cliffhanger ending of every chapter, and I will honestly say that I can't wait for the next book. 

I give this book five out of five venetian masks. A wonderful fairytale retelling and epic story rolled into one! 

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

What if someone told you that you will kill your true love? 

Blue faces that fact every day, and the ominous prediction from countless psychics, including her family, has haunted her since day one. But destiny can only be avoided for so long. 

After a solid record of avoiding boys, she is thrown into the lives of four: the Raven Boys. These boys are on a mission, to find the relic of a lost Welsh king, and each one of them has a destiny of their own. 

Richard Gansley must find the truth behind a dark past, and he walks near death everyday. He leads Noah, Ronan and Adam to learn the pattern of strange events that surround them. 

As Blue becomes attached to these boys, she searches for clues to the strange energy that surrounds them, dangerous magic that threatens her life and theirs. 

This book is intense, comical and entertaining. 

Not only are the characters complex and realistic, but the dialogue is intelligent, and the mystery unravels with every chapter. 

Stiefvater does an excellent job balancing myth and modern day. Her knowledge of folklore and storytelling is plain to see. 

This is a dark series, and it delivers a dark promise from the beginning, but the way the story is told, and the characters in it make you keep reading. You get a good look at every main character, and book one is only the beginning of their journey. 

I give it four out of five tarot cards! 

Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck

The final chapter of Kelsey's journey has arrived, and Kelsey, Ren and Kishan must decide how they will meet their destinies. As the pieces fall into place, Kelsey faces a battle of the heart. 

Even after fighting kappas, metal birds, and dragons this will be the most difficult journey for Durga's champinions. 

The last prophecy leads them to a world of fire, where deception and illusion can only be resolved by truth from the heart. 

Kelsey must determine her fate, but to do so, she will have to make a choice. 

This book was the most exciting of the quartet, and by far the most intense. As Kelsey learns the meaning of inner strength, she grows from the confused girl who began the journey into a determined young woman with an important role to play. 

This was one of those books that subtly hints what's going to happen, but it doesn't hit you until the big reveal. While what I predicted did happen, it didn't happen in the way I expected. 

A part of me is very sad that this series is over. From epic adventure to epic adventure in a modern world, the entire series balanced the elements of the real and majical world. 

I give it five out of five phoenix eggs, and I can't wait for the film adaption of the first book. 

This series was an amazing journey. 

It inspired my writing and gives me hope for my own series. 

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Here there be dragons, and many more challenges physically, mentally and emotionally for Kelsey, Ren and Kishan. 

As another prophecy unfolds, Kelsey is now at a loss. Ren cannot remember her, and this takes its toll on Kelsey, but more than just matters of the heart are in chaos. Lokesh is determined to find them, and has more of an interest in Kelsey than the princes now. With Durga's guidance, the heroes set of on a voyage, to recover a lost treasure guarded by dragons, and prove themselves worthy as they are challenged from every angle. 

Tiger's Voyage was by far the most exciting book in the series for me. The dragons, and their roles in the tale were very interesting, and a wonderful distarction from the teen angst that Kelsey describes herself as "living a Shakespeare play." 

As the stakes rise higher for the trio, Kelsey must also make her most difficult decision yet, coming to terms with what her heart truly wants, and rising above the turmoil that the fates have set against her. 

This book once again blended many types of mythology together, and it even had a renaissance cameo that was both amusing and frustrating. 

 This was another book I couldn't put down, and I didn't want it to end. 

I give it five out of five dragons. 

Tiger's Quest

"The course of true love never did run smooth." - William Shakespeare

This seems to be the theme of Tiger's Quest as Kelsey tries to make sense of all that has happened around her. She finds comfort in returning home, but something is missing, and as she tries to return to normal everday life, she can never forget her adventures, or the tiger prince. 

As Kelsey tries to avoid her destiny, it follows her, and soon Mr. Kadam, Kishan and Ren are back in her life, but this time, they are in great danger. The powerful wizard, Lokesh- creator of the curse now knows about Kelsey, and he is determined to find her. 

In a desperate attempt to keep her safe, Ren is captured and Kelsey must go on another quest, to save him. 

Kelsey and Kishan, Ren's brother, must follow the propehcy and find where Ren was taken, but along the way, the past threatens to repeat itself, as Kishan develops strong feelings for Kelsey. 

With a new adventure, and a goal to reach, Kelsey must face more tests and overcome more obstacles to save Ren, but in order to save him, something must be sacrificed in return. 

This book was a rollercoaster, from the calm moments in Oregon to the intense challenges of the Spirit World and the threat of Ren's life hanging in the balance. More is at stake in this novel, and Kelsey is tested in matters of the heart and mind as she struggles to save Ren. Kishan is also tested with a different kind of focus, his loyalty. Will he be loyal to his brother, or will he repeat the past? 

With so much threatened in her life, Kelsey takes a stand and decides to stop running from her destiny, but it is no easy task. 

There were many shout outs to different mythologies and they blended together nicely. The Ocean teacher was really cool and a bit of a surprise, and Mount Everest also had a part to play. 

I give this book four out of five tiger lilies. It was a little slow in the beginning with Kelsey and her dating escapades, but the story picks up right where it left off once the tiger princes return. 

This book also has a good cliff-hanger ending which sets the stage for Tiger's Voyage, the next chapter in Kelsey's story. 

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Have you ever read a book, and felt like it was written for you? That you could have wrote it at some point in your life if it wasn't already written? It's almost like a story soul mate. It has everything you love about stories, and the characters are almost real. 

That's what it was like reading Tiger's Curse. 

The prolouge swept me away into this story's world, and I haven't returned :) 

Kelsey Hayes is a recent graduate of High School, and she's looking for a job to help her decide what to do next. Which college should she go too? What is her purpose and destiny?

She finds volunteer work at the local circus, hoping to add some credits to her summer credit requirements. Instead, she finds an adventure more exciting and magical than she could have ever imagined. 

It began with a tiger named Ren. While Kelsey learns how to care for the animal, she discovers he is not as simple as he seems, and he doesn't act like an average tiger. She begins to keep him company, and during her last week of volunteer work, a man from India arrives and tells her a story: a story about two princes, and a curse that began 300 years ago. Then he offers her a choice, to go to India with the Tiger or say her goodbyes. 

Kelsey's choice puts her on a dangerous path where myth and magic are real, and she soon learns that she has more courage and strength than she gives herself credit for. As they travel through India, Kelsey and Ren begin a quest to break the curse, appease the gods, and understand the thread of their destinies. 

This book was a wonderful surprise. I had seen it before on the shelves of the bookstore, but I never picked it up until I recieved a recomendation on iBooks. 

Kelsey is a wonderful main character, and she's no damsel in distress or lovestruck whiny teenager. She's an independent  and smart young woman who won the heart of a tiger. 

Ren is a strong, smart and brave tiger and prince. His struggle between the mind of the tiger and the mind of the man is an interesting one, and he is wise beyond his years. As he tries to understand the tweny-first century and find a way to break his curse, he still has a lot to learn. 

As Ren and Kelsey start their adventure, their back and forth bickering and bantering is almost as entertaining as the mystic path they seem to be on. 

As they try to understand their journey, and their complex relationship they must battle dangerous and challenging foes, talk to ancient dieties and still be able to blend in with everyday life in the twenty-first century. As their list of tasks grows, they must prove their courage, honesty, strength and determination. 

This is only book one of a series, and I'm grateful for it. 

I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, myth and magic. 

I give it five out of five tiger lilies. 

It is also soon to be a film ^_^ 

 

The Beast Within by Serena Valentino

Anyone who knows me knows that I love Beauty and the Beast. It's my favorite fairytale, Disney movie and love story. I can't even count how many times I have watched the Disney movie, and yes I will admit that the movie has plot holes. This book tries to fill those plot holes, and it makes an interesting tale that explains how the Prince became the Beast. 

This book stays true to the Disney film and it answers the questions we all ask when we watch the film: How old was the Prince when he was turned to the Beast? Why don't the villagers know about a castle so close to their town? Who cursed the Beast? Were they good or evil?

All these questions are answered in interesting ways. 

My only complaint is that I wished the story was actually told in Beast's point of view. Due to the title and the obvious focus on the Beast, it would have been interesting to hear his own voice as the events conspire to lead up to the Disney film. 

The story itself echoed Greek mythology and Shakespeare plays. It was unexpected how much Gaston was involved in the story, and we're introduced to Belle pretty early in the Beast's timeline. 

I liked this take on the story and how it echoed a little more of the orginal fairytale in terms of the curse and the rose garden. The story stayed true to the characters, and added depth to background characters as well. 

All in all, I'd give it four out of five rose petals. 

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Four months ago, I picked up a book called Shadow and Bone, and I was blown away! The story echoed the epics, with the conflict of light and dark, the symbolism of life and death, and the mythical creatures of folklore. Alina is a brave soul, and her path begins when she becomes a Sun Summoner, but not by choice. Her title wisks her away through the strange country of Ravka, battling the forces of the Darkling and all the while trying to stay true to herself. The first book, Shadow and Bone begins her tale, and reveals her purpose to find three great amplifiers of power in order to defeat the darkness and save the country of Ravka. The second book reveals the truth behind the legends she must chase.  But her journey is more complicated than it seems, for each amplifier is created at a high price, and none will be higher than her final task, to retrieve the fire bird. As Alina becomes more well known throughout Ravka, she goes from summoner to saint, and becomes more involved in the chaos of the war around her. This book concludes her story, and completes this saga of imagination, adventure and myth. 

Leigh Bardugo is able to create complex characters who are not always good or bad. Many villains have empathetic moments, and in turn, many heroes must make cruel decisions. Alina's decisions become more and more difficult as she chases the firebird, and each confrontation reveals a new dark secret about herself, and the world of Ravka. As the story progresses, Alina must use the strength of her humanity to confront the raw and cruel greed that comes with power.

This trilogy was amazing, and all three books are worth reading. The story is epic, and reflects many myths and legends from Europe, while still creating a mythology and history of its own. 

I give this book five out of five sunbursts!

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rodrick

There is simply no way to talk about this book without first explaining the youtube series that started it all. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was a clever and accurate retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the twenty-first century. The show starred Lizzie Bennet, a twenty-five year old grad student living at home and trying to find a way to pay off a mountain of student loans while being constantly put on the spot for her relationship status by her mother and her sister Lydia. 

I was introduced to this series while they had aired about half of the story online. It was a brilliant and inspirational story platform. Lizzie not only had a tumblr and facebook alongside her youtube channel, but many of the other main characters had twitters, youtube videos and facebook pages. You felt like you were a part of the story. You could ask the characters questions, and follow their conversations via social media. It was a new way to tell stories, and it inspired me. 

I grew up with Lizzie, the same age and a very similar attitude. Lizzie was a confident, clever and caring person who was just trying to find her way in the world, but she did judge others very quickly and was not afraid to share her opinion, even it it was wrong. The videos were in her bias, but she also brought in other perspectives through her family and friends. The show aired two days a week, and it was something I looked forward to. 

This book chronicles both the videos, and what happened behind the scenes. Once again, it is told in Lizzie's point of view, but it's more detailed, because she's not performing to an audience, and the events on tumblr, twitter and facebook are explained in a way they couldn't be on screen or online. 

From the first page of this novel to the last, I didn't want it to end. There's something about reading a story that you feel connected with. This story describes the world of my generation, and to me, Lizzie is a kindred spirit, with many of the same goals and aspirations that I have. Her main focus is her career, and she's not one to jump into a relationship just because everyone wants her to. She's out to discover where she belongs in the world, and along the way she learns many lessons about how to treat others, and how to stay true to who she is. 

While Lizzie seemed so confident and comfortable with her life on camera, her diary says otherwise. She was more nervous and uncertain of her life than she appeared to be in the series, and her opinons were not watered down by anyone else's perspective. 

The number one topic that really altered throughout the book was, of course, Lizzie's opinon of Darcy, and his social awkwardness. Darcy and Lizzie are both interesting characters, stubborn to a fault and not typical twenty-somethings who follow the crowd. 

Another topic that was drastically altered was Lizzie's opinion of Lydia, her youngest sister, from their fight over Lydia's behavior to the life lessons they learned together about trust and love. They grow up and without even realizing it, they move forward, closer to their life goals than they had expected to be.

The book does a great job of showing Lizzie's perspective, but not convincing the reader to believe it. This may be because all the videos are complete, or possibly because the story arc of Pride and Prejudice is well known. It would be interesting if someone read the book without watching the series, or maybe read the story without any knowledge of Pride and Prejudice. But the book seems to be written as a companion to the series, and the ebook even has links to the videos in the diary entries that were filmed before or after the events Lizzie reflects on.  

In the opinon of a reader who watched the series, and read the classic novel, I thouroghly enjoyed this book, and I give it five out of five cups of tea. The story was . . . illuminating :)

Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace

The moment I saw this book on the shelf, I grabbed it and couldn't put it down. Not only have the Pixar films inspired me, but the people behind the iconic characters and touching stories. 

Pixar's story is an amazing one, and it echoes some of the success that Walt Disney had. The company's humble beginnings and growth from an adviretisement studio to a major name in animation history is a story that involves many elements of fear, failure, and perserverance. Ed Catmull's observations on how creativity can overcome obstacles, and his belief that people have the power to make the impossible possible have helped Pixar fight the toughest battles from money loss to perserving the positive themes of Pixar culture. 

This book is not just the story of how Pixar came to be, it is also a guide through the rough landscape of art, and the ongoing challenge of creativity. How Pixar tackles these challenges and moves forward despite adversity will inspire any artist to always move forward no matter what and to view challenges as an opportunity to change and grow. I recommend this book to anyone who loves Disney, Pixar and who creates art. 

Five out of five desk lamps, and a place right next to Disney's biography on my bookshelf to be read again and again for inspiration. 

Kingdom Keepers: The Insider by Ridley Pearson

I have followed the Kingdom Keepers adventures since I first picked up the first book before going to the Disney College Program, and it's so incredible to revisit the places that I once was a major part of. Meeting the author of this series, and fangirling over Disney with him is still one of the best days of my life, and this series has helped me get through so many hardships and painful moments in my life. 

This is the Keepers last stand. Disneyland, the place where it all began. While Finn wrestles with his guilt over Dillard's death, and his apparent role as leader of the Keepers, Tia Dalma and the Evil Queen are gathering forces of evil to take over the original kingdom of Walt Disney. 

With the expectations to save a park they aren't familar with, the Keepers are forced to adapt not only to their surroundings, but to the possiblity that a traitor is in their midst. Not sure who to trust, and what the Overtakers have planned, Finn, Amanda, Jess, Willa, Philby, Charlene and Maybeck must make the ultimate stand and believe in the impossible. With familiar faces to help along the way, a Wayne Kresky riddle and the rumor that the magic may not be completely dead, this adventure could be their last chance to save all that is good in the land of imagination.

This book is well paced and unpredictable. As always, it has balance between the fun and the serious sides of Disney stories and the ever powerful imagination. The Keepers are older, wiser and more prepared to deal with adversity than they think. 

I couldn't put this book down, and I give it five out of five hidden mickeys. 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Imagine a race, with horses that come from the ocean, stampeding on the shore of an island like a sea storm. These creatures are the capaill uisce, water horses, as wild as the tide and as cruel as nature. This race means everything to Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly. For Sean, it is all about the horses, and for Puck, it is all about survival. Once these two nineteen year olds are caught up in the race, their stories collide in a way that neither would suspect. Puck enters the race for her family. Sean enters the race because he has little choice. As the race draws near, the island prepares itself for a bloodbath, and only one rider can win. 

This book was unlike any book I've read before. In a world both familar and foreign, The Scorpio Races has a genre of its own. The book is written in Sean's and Puck's point of view, and the race itself is an introduction to the strange, terrifying and majestic water horses. The island has a culture of it's own but only fate will determine who wins this race. 

I recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology, horse racing and a new type of fantasy world. This book was hard to put down, and it was a breath of fresh air in the typical Young Adult Sci Fi and Fantasy world. 

Love and Misadventure by Lang Leav

I first discovered Lang Leav on tumblr. This lovely short story about Love and Patience popped up on my dashboard, and I clicked on the link to see who wrote it. 

http://langleav.com/post/48150068087/patience

On the same website was an announcement that she had a book out, and since I work in a bookstore, I was able to get it within a day. 

Lang Leav's poems are charming and genuine. Some are simple, and others are short stories. She has a way with words, and her poetry has a unique simplicity that isn't vague. Her collection was inspirational and insightful. 

I recommend it to romantics at heart and the people who enjoy her writing on tumblr. 

This book has inspired me to look at poetry differently, and I hope her short story on Patience will be included in her next book. 

The Dark Tower series by Stephen King

When I began this series, I decided that I wouldn't review it until I read all the books. Now that I have, I think I made the right decision. This review is also entirely spoiler free, because the story is too amazing to ruin for anyone. 

This is the first story that I have read by Stephen King. It did take a little time for me to get used to his writing style and the interesting way he told the story. The story, of course, begins with Roland, a gunslinger who is always searching for the Dark Tower. A constant wanderer, Roland pursues the Man in Black, the only being who knows where the tower lies. Roland himself is an interesting character who wavers on the line between humanity and madness. His obsession with the Dark Tower, and the decisions he makes to find it are the key points of the story. 

This will be vague, but only to protect anyone who hasn't read this series yet. From The Gunslinger to The Waste Lands, I had many predictions for this series. By the Wolves of Calla, most of them were wrong. At times the story is extremely symbolic, and at other times it is ambigious. 

This series inspired me to look at my writing differently. It was an epic tale and it blew me away. The last thing I will say is this: within the series is the most frustrating and amazing cliffhanger I have ever read! All in all I recommend this series. Writers love it. Artists love it. Anyone who enjoys an epic adventure with twists and turns will love this series. 

This philosophical, inspirational saga deserves movies, or even a televison show, but I'm not sure the adaptions could ever do it justice. 

I compare this saga to the brillance of Dune, Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games and even Avatar the Last Airbender. 

Five out of five singing roses. 

My Ideal Bookshelf

Here's my Ideal Bookshelf: 

http://crystallizedheart.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-ideal-bookshelf.html

What's yours?

The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida

I recommend this book to anyone, and here's why. You may know someone with Autism, or you may see Autistic people day to day, and then you may make assumptions based on what you know. Depending on your experiences, the way you view people is important, but it isn't always right.
Naoki Higashida breaks the barrier between people, autistic and not autistic. He answers questions, and explains the process that autistic people have. The frustration with not being able to communicate. The difficulty of expecting things to go a certain way. But deep down, despite how they act or what they do, many people don't realize that Autistic people want what anyone in the world wants: to be accepted. They don't like being alone, ignored, constantly yelled at and being told that they are a problem. I hope this isn't a surprise to you, but before I go any further in this review, I have to explain something. My brother has Autism. He has high functioning Autism, and we have dealt with many rude glares, constant ridicule and even isolation from several people. This breaks my heart, but it is the truth.
This boy, at age thirteen was able to answer the questions I can't ask my brother. Questions that not even the countless therapists, doctors and counselors dared to talk to me about. The sad thing is, now that Autism is more common, it is being paid attention to. But it's been there for a long time.
I'm not going to lie. I yell at my brother all the time. I'm his sister, and yes I have told him that he is a problem. I have told him that it is a struggle to be around him.
At that time, with those words, I was only thinking about myself. I regret those words. And I am ashamed that only now have I realized the effect of them. But I'm not going to say them anymore. Because I know how powerful words are.

The most powerful quote from this book is this:

"What's the worst thing about having Autism?

You never notice. Really, you have no idea how miserable we are. The people who are looking after us may say 'Minding these kids is really hard work you know!' but for us- who are always causing the problems and are useless at pretty much everything we do- you can't begin to imagine how miserable and sad we get.
Whenever we've done something wrong, we get told off or laughed at, without even being able to apologize, and we end end up hating ourselves and despairing about our lives again and again and again. It's impossible not to wonder why we were born into this world as human beings at all.
But I ask you, those of you who are with us all day, not to stress yourselves out because of us. When you do this, it feels as if you're denying any value at all that our lives may have- and that saps the spirit we need to soldier on. The hardest ordeal for us is the idea that we are causing grief for other people. We can put up with our hardships okay, but the thought that our lives are the source of other people's unhappiness, that's plain unbearable."

This book means a lot to me, because it made sense of the constant chaos that my family lives in. The constant struggle that my brother has. So read this book. Please! Don't judge a person with Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, and never tell them that they are a problem. We are all alone in this world, and we don't need other people to make us feel this way.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

This book was a recommendation from a friend at work, so I picked it up and couldn't put it down.

The country of Ravka is torn by the Shadow Fold, an army of monsters made of darkness. As the growing army deterioates the great nation, the people are desperate to find a way to save Ravka. Alina and Mal, two orphans raised under the indifferent eye of a wealthy duke are observed by the Grisha, an order of magical people. Once they come of age, Alina discovers that she has a unique power, and both Alina and Mal are thrown into the conflict of Ravka and the Shadow Fold. As the Darkling offers Alina a world of magic and luxury, Alina must decide how to use the power she was born with. Could she be the key to the Shadow Fold's undoing? Who and what can she believe in?

This book was literally a captivating read. I admired the author's ability to build a world, and explore the myths and legends around it. Alina is a powerful, but unsure character, her decisions effect her future and the hope of Ravka. The Darkling himself is a mysterious and confusing character with a story of his own. Mal is the spirited and loyal friend with weaknesses of his own. Each character is fascinating and, in a way, relatable. The world was wonderfully detailed, and combined symbolism with myth and lore. 

This is not your typical fantasy story, and it's not the stereotypical fantasy world. Ravka brings elements of its own into the tale, and shrouds the plot in mystery. Through the little history that Alina knows of Ravka, her dicoveries are the key points to the tale. 

I can't wait to find out what happens next, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the elements of magic, mystery, adventure, romance and even horror. Shadow and Bone is a unique and exciting read!