The final link up for the Summer Reading Club has arrived! If you don't know what's going on, check out the details and read the June and July Link-Ups. Keep reading to see my take on the two August books -- Cinder and When Maidens Mourn -- and to link up your reviews to share!
Cinder
Teeny-bopper romance? Check. Cyborgs? Check. A dystopic future where the Lunar Queen is threatening to start a war with the Earthen kingdoms? Check. All rolled into a retelling of the fairy tale Cinderella? Double check!
Cinder, a cyborg mechanic in the city of New Beijing, happens to meet Prince Kai when his android needs reparing. Then Cinder discovers that she may hold the secret to the fatal plague that is ravaging the world. Can she keep Kai from falling into the clutches of the evil Lunar Queen, without him guessing that she herself is a cyborg? Can she save her stepsister Peony from the plague, or will her stepmother thwart her plans?
I really liked the story, and most of the characters. I found Cinder a little annoying and self-deprecating sometimes, but I guess maybe if I was a teenage cyborg I would be too. And, I really liked Prince Kai. He was way smarter and more kind than most YA heroes. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series! Rating: 4 out of 5
Questions
- What did you think of Cinder's character? Believable? Not?
- Can you ever imagine the world reuniting into six large kingdoms?
- Did you see the big "surprise" coming right at the beginning? I found the story predictable, but still enjoyable.
- Did you find the society's treatment of cyborgs surprising? Do you think that people who are part metal are less human?
- Looking forward to the rest of the series?
When Maidens Mourn
When Maidens Mourn is the seventh entry in the Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris. Sebastian is Viscount Devlin, the only surviving son of the Earl of Hendon. As a gentlemen of leisure Sebastian has a lot of time on his hands -- and much to his father's disgust he spends most of that time solving mysteries.
I really enjoy how C.S. Harris manages to weave elements of romance and history into the mysteries, creating an addicting series as she does it! In this particular book the lovely Gabrielle Tennyson has been found murdered at a archaeological site rumored to be Camelot. Sebastian, and his new bride Hero Jarvis must separate the truth from the Arthurian legends to find out who really wanted Gabrielle dead.
The mystery in this one wasn't great - but I loved the development of Sebastian and Hero's characters, as they try to adapt to their awkward marriage. Rating: also 4 out of 5
Questions
- Have you read any other books in the series?
- Do you find Harris's take on the Regenecy era believable? How would you compare it to Austen or Heyer or other such authors?
- Did you find the identity of the murderer surprising?
- Lord Jarvis is somewhat sinister. Why do you think he hates Sebastian so much?
- What is your favorite/least favorite part about Sebastian and Hero's relationship?
If you read one, or both, of the books, go ahead and link up your post(s) in the linky widget. Please make sure you link to the permalink of your review of the books, not just to your blog home page. If you don't have a blog, answer the questions I ask about each book. (Please leave a separate comment for each book's questions). You have till Sunday (8/26) to link up your post or answer the questions. Then Sunday night I'll use random.org to pick a winner, and email you your $10 Amazon gift certificate!
Update 8/27 -- The winner is #3 -- June! Congratulations June! I'll contact you soon.
