Book Review: "No place for Magic" by E.D. Baker

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Emma and Eadric are finally getting married. But first they are visiting Eadric's parents. But when his younger brother goes missing, its up to them to find him. To do that, they have to find the lair of the trolls. Along the way they meet a banshee, a group of cockatrice that turn you to stone if you look at them, and some not-so-friendly vampires.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Emma is confident in her magic and enjoys turning into a dragon on a regular basis. She still struggles to get along with her mother and wonders if Eadric's mother will ever accept her.

Eadric defends his fiance from the attacks of his mother at every chance and lacks the naivete that started arguments in the past. When Emma explains she feels she let him down about Bradston, he is comforting and supportive.

Lil tags along and there is an argument between her and Garrid. A spat between the bat and the vampire is short and has no bearing on the story. And when I was reading how Lil was mad that Garrid's family didn't know about her, I kept thinking...you're an animal. He's a man. Shouldn't he be embarrassed?

Garrid is still a cameo character we don't know much about. His presence is necessary to help Emma and Eadric out of a tough spot though.

NEW CHARACTERS

Bradston is the younger brother of Eadric. He spends most of his time getting into trouble. He is demanding, whiny and entitled. He isn't even grateful when he's rescued.

Fatlippia is the troll queen. She is not much smarter than the others but with four heads is much larger. She adds mostly humor to the story.

Grunella is a troll that guards the caves where Bradston is being kept. Although big, she isn't too bright and her illness makes her no match for Emma and Eadric. She mostly serves to add humor to the story.

Queen Frazella is the same as she was in the last book. She doesn't like Emma because of her magic and doesn't treat her well, giving her a small room to stay at and letting her distaste known.

PACING

Although the book starts slow once it gets going, it's one thing after another. From giants, to griffons, to trolls, to cockatrices, to almost drowning. But there is plenty of slower paced times to even it out.

FORESHADOWING-SPOILERS

There isn't as many hints and tips at things to come in this story. Although we do discover Bradston is alright ahead of time and have time to wonder why and how.

Also, Emma finds out that the trolls were manipulated into kidnapping Bradston. But she doesn't ponder this much, as her wedding is going to take place. The only clue we get is when she spots a troll wearing a necklace with a ball on it.

MOOD

There is still the same mood of silliness and whimsy, even though the danger exists.

Emma and Eadric meet a banshee who is sad that no one likes her, because she goes around foretelling deaths. Emma puts a spell on Bradston that produces amusing results and we meet two sea monsters that have a hilarious conversation.

THE CLIMAX

After the many troubles that face them, when we reach the trolls in the caverns, their stupidity seems like a letdown. The reader might be expecting to have to fight the trolls but soon discover that is not necessary. They are easily outsmarted.

However, after finding Bradston, there are a few chapters left in the book. Baker doesn't fail, creating an army and a troll queen who is a fearsome foe. It may not be what the reader is expecting, but Baker manages to show us the wedding we have been waiting for but going out with a bang.

CONCLUSION

I would have liked Emma and Eadric's relationship to develop more than the short-lived doubts that Emma experiences about their marriage. I also would have had liked to see a serious fight or something that brought real doubts about their future marriage. But I still liked the story so I give “No place for magic” three and a half stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Once Upon a Curse" by E.D. Baker

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Emma is determined to turn back Grassina and undo the curse that turns all the women into her family into horrible, ugly creatures when they touch flowers. To do this, she must travel back in time to when the curse was enacted. There she meets her ancestors, two princesses: the rude but pretty Hazel, and her younger sister, Millie. But thinks prove harder than she expects when the kingdom has it's own problems, like harpies and a dragon. Emma knows she shouldn't interfere with the past, but surely she won't cause any trouble.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Emma is much more confident in her magic from the occurrence in the last book. Her magic has amplified and she has confidently taken over as the Green witch. She mentions that she tours the kingdom every few weeks by magic carpet to deal with problems like harpies. In the climax it's revealed that her magical ability has grown.

Eadric and Emma go through their usual fights when Eadric wants to go back with her. This is a bit predictable and pointless, as we know Eadric will come with us. Also, Emma gets upset when Hazel flirts with Eadric. The situation is similar to the mermaids and the outcome is the same.

Grassina is no longer the women we knew. She is vindictive and nasty. She often takes the form of a giant lizard and goes around the castle scaring people.

Lil travels with Eadric and Emma back in time. Although she isn't in the story much, her character does rather suddenly and perhaps not believably, fall in love.

NEW CHARACTERS

Garrid is one of many suitors to Hazel, and seems to have a secret. He goes off every morning and leaves the castle.

Princess Millie is the younger sister of Hazel and looks similar to Emma with her auburn hair. She is much kinder and friendlier than her sister. She has a secret of her own.

Princess Hazel is the beautiful, older sister who commands a strong influence of how the castle is run because of her magic. She is selfish, self-absorbed and vapid. Her magic consists of mainly using plants.

FORESHADOWING

The tapestry of the green witch that appeared in the second book is revealed in this book, although it seems different. Emma takes the same items as last time, a piece of string, a candle stub, a square piece of cloth, and this time some salve from Ralf. Three of these items get used.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Emma finds a dungeon of skeletons.

Their is alcohol at Hazel's party and the Swamp Fairy gets so drunk that she falls asleep and doesn't wake until a day later.

AN ODD ROMANCE-SPOILERS

I have one big criticism and in order to explain it I am going to have to spoil a part of the book. There is a romance between a human—a vampire, and the Bat Lil. I think being an adult I found it weird. Lil is just a bat. Not a bat with human intelligence, not a bat who can do magic. Just a bat, an animal that Emma can communicate with because she is a witch. And Garrid can communicate with her because he is a vampire. But...she is still an animal and he a human.

It felt like bestiality to me. And it felt unnecessary in the book as well, as Lil is barely in the story and her infatuation seems childlike and silly. I think it would have added to the book if Millie had been in love with him instead, so when she found it, it would have affected her and she would have to overcome her bigotry. As well as Emma, who believes vampires to be evil. And then we could have actually gotten to know the character of Garrid. But he becomes as two dimensional as Lil. Also, when Garrid shows up to find Lil, we never understand why Emma suddenly thinks its okay. Are vampires suddenly not evil?

CONCLUSION

I still like the story but it's inferior to the last two. Eadric's and Emma's relationship seems to be going in a circle and is rather predictable. And the subplot of Lil and Garrid feels forced and odd. I give “Once upon a curse” three and half stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Dragon's Breath" by E.D. Baker

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

After discovering the long-lost love of Grassina, Emma and Eadric are on a quest to get all the ingredients to a potion that will change him back. This quest takes them to a magical market, inside a fish bowl that hides an ocean and a mermaid who lives in a castle, and the dragon Olympics. But magic is goofing up again, and whenever Emma sneezes her and Eadric turn back into frogs. This may be a problem, especially when facing a giant spider or returning to humans, when Dragons consider them enemies. Not to mention Prince Jorge's father is invading the kingdom, and Grassina, the green witch, is too distracted to help defend Greensward.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Emma is now a witch like her aunt, and she is eagerly learning new skills everyday. But she still has problems with her magic and doubts about her abilities. When unforeseen events lead to Emma being the only witch who can protect her kingdom, she has to take charge in a way she never has: going into battle.

But the adults around her are not all useless, as in the first part of the book, it's Grassina who confronts the man who entrapped the old witches. This is important, as it's Emma and Eadric who gather all of the items for the potion later. And when Emma takes over in the climax, it is a sharp contrast from the girl in the first part of the story.

Eadric is the same, still asking for a kiss at the oddest moments. There is some tension between him and Emma with regards to her magic and the mistakes she makes that affect him. And when they meet a room full of mermaids, Eadric's attention is taken which annoys Emma. Basically, they have their first real fight.

Grassina is completely immersed in turning Haywood back into a man and in finding him after his disappearance. There is some explaining about the relationship between her and Chartreuses which explains why Emma and her mother have a difficult relationship. Although she seems rather two dimensional when it comes to her love, near the end she reveals doubts about Haywood and if he will still love her, since so much time has passed.

NEW CHARACTERS

Ralph is a young dragon that Emma and Eadric rescue. He is not as biased against humans as older dragons and is impressed when he witnesses them turn into frogs. He is key in helping Emma get two ingredients.

Nastia is the sea witch who is the mother of Pearl. She is angry, violent and demanding, and amusing. The arguments between her and Pearl are funny. Baker reminds us that this a childrens' story, and we shouldn't take things too seriously.

Olivene, Emma's Grandmother is nasty but comical, constantly getting Haywood's name wrong and making trouble. Sometime she acts more like a rebellious teenager than a senior.

Grandfather is a ghost but still loves his daughter deeply, as well as who his wife used to be. He is also not afraid of her and often comes to the defense of Emma when Olivene shows up and bullies her. It is explained he was not in the first book because he was at the council of ghosts. (Note: this book takes place one day after the first one.)

Shelton is a chatterbox crab that hooks a ride with Emma when he sees her as a frog turn into a human. He can be annoying or amusing but serves a specific purpose in the story.

Queen Chartreuse is her usual disagreeable self. She seems to think since Eadric was alone with Emma, her honor has been sullied. She eventually agrees they should marry, but doesn't think Eadric will wait long. She manages to get in more than a few barbs about Emma.

PACING

The pacing is similar to the first book. There is event that carries the majority of the book, but it doesn't happen until they confront Emma's Grandmother, eight chapters in. And the second event not until chapter nine. Before then, there is only one action scene but mostly it is spent exploring an island and finding one man. So it is rather a relaxed pace. But after reading book one, this should be no surprise.

MOOD

Again, the mood is light-hearted and funny at times, unless we are in an action or climax scene. I laughed at the homes that the retired witches had, and the story of the witch killed by children. As well as the rambling of Shelton and the relationship between the mermaid Pearl and her mother. Not to mention Eadric's new sword.

FORESHADOWING

There is a mentioning of a tapestry in Grassina's room that has a part in the third book in the series. Emma gets a few items for the journey: a piece of string, a candle stub and a piece of square cloth. She ends up using the candle in this book, and the string in the next.

CONCLUSION

We get to explore more of Emma's world, with magic carpets, secret portals, giant spiders and dragons. There's a lot to see and I give “Dragon's Breath” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Frog Princess" By E.D. Baker

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

We all know the fairy tale, a young princess loses her toy and when a frog returns it, he asks to be kissed. When she does kiss him, he becomes a prince. Except in this story, for some reason, our princess becomes a frog as well! Baker must have asked one question: what if the spell didn't work properly? What could cause such a thing?

Emma is a princess who, after kissing a frog who claims to be a prince, turns into a frog herself. The two set off to find the witch who cursed Eadric, the prince. But instead find trouble, in the form of angry witches, friendly and not-so-friendly snakes, and an otter with an eye for shiny objects.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Emma is the princess of Greater Greensward, a little clumsy but determined to avoid marriage to an annoying prince. She often spends her time at the swamp looking for animals or with her Aunt Grassina, a wizard. Although Grassina tries to teach her wizardry, Emma hasn't had much success.

Eadric is the prince of Upper Montevista, who through his own naivete and big mouth, got turned into a frog. He is a little full of himself, but has a good heart, instantly becoming protective of Emma. He takes her under his wing, teaching her to swim and catch flies. It's a running joke that he tries to get her to kiss him all the time.

Grassina is much closer to Emma than her sister, Emma's mother. They both have the same chestnut hair, and Grassina claims that her niece has the ability to be a witch. Not caring much for her appearance, Grassina does not look like a princess, as she wears oversized clothes and doesn't do her hair. When she was younger, her mother turned her fiance into an animal and sent him away. Because of that, she is often sad, although she puts on a good face for Emma.

Queen Chartreuse is often at odds with her daughter. She wants her to marry Prince Jorge and Emma often spends her time avoiding arguing with her.

Lil is a bat that Emma and Eadric meet when they are captured by a witch. She befriends them and comes along with them to meet Grassina, and become another witch's bat. She is hesitant to leave at first but slowly gains confidence.

PACING

We don't jump into the story right away. Emma meets the frog, leaves, and then comes back, only to kiss him. Because the chapters are short we don't have to wait long until she gets turned into a frog and the ball gets rolling. After she turns into a frog, there is a chapter between then and confronting Eadric. I would say those two events, the opening and after being turned into a frog, reveal the pace of the story, not fast, but not slow. Somewhere in the middle.

FORESHADOWING

There are details that seem of no importance to the reader at first that come back to carry an important meaning. For example, when Emma gets turned into a frog, her bracelet slips off, and she witnesses an otter take it. And all throughout the story, a white dog turns up, causing trouble for Emma and Eadric. It seems very random, but it gets explained near the end. Also, Grassina tells a sad story about lost love in the beginning that is easily glossed over, but again, carries importance near the end of the story.

MOOD OF THE STORY

I mentioned the gag about Eadric always wanting a kiss. That pretty much defines the mood of the story. Even though there are dangers they face, the story doesn't go too long before we get a good joke in. Usually the humor is supplied by Eadric. I enjoyed the silly mood as it didn't take from the story, and reminded me that this is written for children, in a good way.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Most of the character development comes from Emma. She starts believing she can never do magic even though her Aunt says she can. It's only near the end of the story that she suddenly starts to believe in herself, taking the final task into her own hands. But even when she takes the steps to do this, she doesn't magically change personality. She still doubts herself and wonders if she can really change.
As for Eadric, it seems from the get-go that he is fond of Emma. He teaches her all he knows about being a frog and not long after meeting her shows jealousy when a toad shows off to her. As time passes he shows that he is willing to risk his life for hers.

CONCLUSION

I love the sweetness of the characters and the simplicity of the story. It embraces what it is, a fairy tale for children, and doesn't try to be anything else. It continues to make me smile, as I originally read it in my teen years. I give “The Frog Princess” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "Ella Enchanted" By Gail Carson Levine

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Ella, from her birth was cursed with the gift of obedience from an unwanted fairy godmother, Lucinda. She does her best to avoid obeying, but the pull over her is too strong. After her mother dies, she befriends Prince Charmont after meeting him at the funeral. But her father sends her off to finishing school, where her secret is figured out and she is bullied by two other students. Eventually, she runs away, in search of Lucinda, hoping to break the curse. She fails, and ends up back home, only to have her father marry the mother of her school bullies. Ella fights to keep her dignity as she is turned into a maid as well as for a way to free herself from the curse. All the while, developing a strong friendship through her letters with the Prince.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Ella is our heroine, and although heartbroken after her mother dies, and estranged from her father, she is determined to break her curse and be herself. From her mother, she has learned her sense of fun, from sliding down banisters, and poking fun at herself. She also has a knack for languages, which surprisingly gets her out of trouble as well as a love for animals.

Mandy is a servant in the house, and after her mother dies, the person she is closest too. She is devoted to Ella, and does her best to encourage and love her.

Charmont is the prince of Kyrria, who first meets Ella after her mother's funeral. He notes how her mother made him smile. Ella shares that sense of humor, and endears herself to him through their visits to the menagerie. He is open and honest in his letters to her, and tells her of his flaws, confiding in her with his worries. He is rather serious, and no doubt Ella's ability to make him laugh is what draws him to her.

Hattie and Olive, are the daughters of Madam Olga, and bullies. They attend finishing school with Ella, and Hattie soon figures our the curse. Both are equally selfish, spoiled and shallow, although Olive is far less intelligent. Although they may at first come across as stereotypes, Levine uses them to show Ella's determination and cleverness, as well as her lack of selfishness.

Lucinda, the fairy who cursed Ella, is ignorant, naive, and oblivious to the pain her gifts cause.

Areida, a girl who is looked down upon because of her accent and lack of wealth. She is Ella's only friend at finishing school.

UNIQUE SPIN ON CINDERELLA

Although the story revolves around a curse, which is not in the original story, it is made clear, later on in the book that this is very much inspired by Cinderella. Ella and Char find a pair of glass slippers; the prince has three balls to find a bride; Ella becomes a servant in her own home when her father remarries.
One has to wonder, did Levine think, why did Ella put up with being a servant? Did she have no choice, couldn't she disobey? Maybe that's how the idea of the curse was born.

CHARACTER DRIVEN

Very much like “The Two Princesses of Bamarre” the story is very much character driven. In the beginning, it is clear that Ella's mother was her best friend, and how she inherited her sense of self-confidence, kindness, and sense of humor. Even though her mother is barely in the book, it's not hard to feel sympathetic for Ella after her mother's death. Her father barely knows her and his selfishness is obvious from the beginning when he orders her to leave when she cries at the funeral.

There is plenty of time spent on the development of Char and Ella's friendship, not only through time spent together but through letters they write and we read. There relationship is not dramatic, but simple and sweet.

And although the story that takes place is a fairy tale, complete with ogres, princes and curses, is is surprisingly easy to relate to as Ella struggles to gain freedom.

PACING

This isn't an action book. There is no great quest. Ella may wish to free herself from the curse, but she has no real knowledge of how to do so until seven or so chapters in. And she doesn't even attempt to until chapter 12. Much of the book is simply trying to get by, although she does run into massive danger at different points.

FORESHADOWING

The story is told from Ella's perspective, and there are moments where she hints at bad things to come. This isn't used frequently, but enough to make the reader curious.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

The relationship Ella develops with Areida shows an aspect of Ella that makes her all the more likable, her lack of judging people on appearance and wealth. The only criticism I have is the small portion of time they spend together.
Hattie is our main villain, and with each order she gives, I rooted on Ella, as she always made a strong attempt to thwart the commands, often in clever ways. Although my one complaint was that Hattie was rather two dimensional, and besides one scene where Ella learns that she is jealous of Ella for her looks, there isn't much explanation of why she is such a terrible person.

THE MARTYR COMPLEX

Hattie and Olive needn't be so horrible but the author keeps piling on Ella's woes.

Her father doesn't care about her and is selfish; her mother is dead; Areida is her only friend at school; the curse ruins her life; Lucinda refuses to undue it.

Are we supposed to believe that every other girl she meets is either evil or stupid? Might there be others who are shy? Maybe some who are blunt or honest? Levine works alittle too hard to make Ella a martyr when she already has the curse to worry about. Also, Olive is two dimensional as well. And since Hattie is selfish and smart, she has to be a complete idiot with a lack of imagination. It would have served the story better if the sisters, or their mother was pretty, deceptive, and charming, instead of being so cartoonishly evil.

GRAPHIC CONTENT

There is reference to ogres who want to eat Ella, and are dangerous.

CONCLUSION

Even with my critique of having Ella feel like a victim in every way, I still favor the book. Not only is the story original and the main characters likable, but the world that Levine paints is original as well. I give “Ella Enchanted” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Two Princesses of Bamarre" by Gail Carson Levine

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Princess Addie's older sister, Princess Meryl, get's ill with the gray death, it's up to her to find a cure. But this wasn't how it was supposed to go. Meryl is the brave one, who has practiced swordplay and dreamed of adventure her whole life. Addie is the quiet one, who spends her time with her needlework, avoiding spiders, and playing games where Meryl is her protector. Addie must discover the hero in herself and brave a world of monsters.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Addie is our main character. The story is told through her, and we learn that she is shy and rather timid. Since she rarely see's their father, the King, and have no mother, Addie relies on Meryl as her main source of friendship and protection. The fierce protection and love she has for Meryl make Addie likable, and her quiet nature makes her easy to relate to.

Meryl, the older sister, is in large part of the story, even though she becomes ill and Addie leaves. Through the first part of the story, it is obvious she adores her sister and see's herself as the role of a protector.

Rhys is an apprentice sorcerer at the castle. His character is rather original, as in Levine's story, sorcerer's are a race of people themselves, who live for hundreds of years and are not born how humans are. They also are similar in appearance, with dark, curly hair, white eye lashes and a tall stature. While Addie is shy he is rather dramatic, in manner and dress. He has a purpose other than being a love interest, as he gives Addie two gifts to help her on her quest.

Bella is the two princesses' governess. Although she is rather strict and skeptical of outsiders, such as sorcerers, she does truly cave for the girls. She gives Addie a gift before she leaves.

Milton is an old Elf who teaches the princesses and deeply cares for them. He gives Addie a gift before she leaves and tells her stories from his peoples' history.

King Lionel, only deserves attention for his lack of activity. He refers to a massive book of platitudes before doing anything, and whatever he finds on a whim dictates his actions.

Vollys the dragon is the main antagonist in the story. She comes across as mentally unstable, having killed all of her past prisoners after a period of time, but seeming to genuinely miss them. Her loneliness seems to have caused her to go insane. I went back and forth to feeling sympathy for her to despising her.

PACING

If you are looking for a book that jumps right into the action, then this isn't for you. The reader has to go through almost half the book before Addie leaves on her quest, although Meryl does get ill a few chapters before.

Indeed, the story actually starts with Addie remembering their childhood and the games they would play. You may wonder how this is relevant, but the first half of the book serves to establish the relationship between the two sisters: how different they are and how close they are. We see how Addie reacts to situations compared to her sister, and their roles are set from the beginning.

Don't think just because the story is character driven that the plot suffers for it. Addie faces many dangers in her journey, from a specter, griffons, ogres, and a dragon. But most of the action lies in the climax of the book, where Addie faces a large army of monsters.

CHARACTER DRIVEN

This story is very much character driven, where we take the first half of the story establishing the relationship of the sisters and the contrast of their characters. So when Addie goes of to find a cure to the gray death, we understand what a big deal this is. If Meryl had gotten ill right from the beginning and Addie had left for her quest, the reader would know nothing of their relationship at all.
Even when we get to meet the story's main antagonist, the dragon Vollys, the time is spent learning about the dragon and her history, and scheming to escape. One might expect swordplay, or some action along that line. But instead Addie develops a strange relationship with Vollys, and like her, the reader hesitates between sympathy and anger for the beast.

FORESHADOWING

The reading of epic poems of Bamarre's history lay out hints for the rest of the book. So when you see pages of poetry, resist the urge to skim them. They are often important, and that importance isn't always pointed out.
Although Addie does point out the similarity between a specter's prophecy for the end of the gray death and a specter telling Meryl she will have and adventure when cowards get courage. No doubt because that is the most important piece and has a profound impact on the ending of the story.

ROMANCE

The relationship between Rhys and Addie is sweet, developing from the beginning. Levine has the lovely habit of taking a friendship and developing it without drama and flowery language. Instead of going through multiple life-or-death situations, their friendship comes from time spent together, learning about each other and what they have in common.

CHARACTERS THAT COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER

Rhys is used well in the story, not merely as a love interest, but as someone who helps Addie, by giving her magical items and saving her life in one scene. Even with him rescuing her, you never get the feeling that Addie is useless, just that she is naive and will have to develop if she is to help her sister. Outside of Meryl, he is Addie's only friend, and he gives insight about Addie that no one else does.
Meryl's existence defines Addie so strongly that the entire first half of the book explores their relationship and the contrasts between them.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Rhys develops by becoming more honest and bold with Addie, as well as departing from the ideas of his teacher.
Meryl develops as we learn about self-doubts she has carried with her at the end of the book. This keeps her from being rather two dimensional, as we have only seen her as Addie sees her, a brave and bold girl who wants adventure.
Addie develops by facing her fears and accepting that she has to have her own adventures and live a life separate from her sister.

GRAPHIC CONTENT

Although monster are killed, gruesome details are not given and the gore is toned down.

CONCLUSION

With realistic and likable characters, interesting monsters and magic, I give “Two Princesses of Bamarre” four and half stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

VAMPIRE PLAGUE SERIES: “Mexico, 1850” by Sebastian Rook

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Jack, Ben and Emily travel to Mexico, where they plan to banish Camazotz back to Hell and retrieve the last piece of the amulet, the crescent moon. But they are surprised to be greeted by the brotherhood of Chac and their leader, a man thought dead. Along the way, they discover betrayal, a newly converted vampire camp, a secret tunnel in Camazotz' temple, and a possible way to defeat the demon once and for all.

OUR RETURNING CHARACTERS

Jack, Ben, and Emily pretty much play the same roles. Emily the translator, Ben, much more hesitant and afraid of coming back, and Jack, still reckless and bold.
If I had one complaint, it may their lack of character development. There is a scene where Emily thinks back on their first meeting Jack, and how their lives have changed. As well as a scene where she and Ben see a grave. But there isn't much discussion about how this affects them. There is also a short scene in the beginning, where Jack wonders what life would have been life if he had never met Ben, and how he is glad he did.
The third in the series, the only things that needs resolving relationship-wise, if Jack wants to continue living with them. And that isn't resolved until the last page, and it's not discussed before then.

NEW CHARACTERS

Lorena is one of the member of the brotherhood of Chac. She has been the one translating the hieroglyphs on the temple of Camazotz. Together, Emily and her work to translate the parchments that Emily got from Paris.

Roberto is another member of the brotherhood of Chac and ends up with Jack and Emily when trouble breaks loose. Although we don't get to learn much about him, I still found him likable. He considers it his job to protect the children and is rather harsh on himself when he fails. Rook manages to make the story so it's up to Emily and Jack, not Roberto, to save the day. But he does so without presenting a dumb or ignorant adult. And Roberto still comes through and helps in the end.

Someone returns from Ben's past. This character is very important and although, it is ultimately Ben who discovers the last piece of the amulet, he is still assisted by this character. Earlier on, the rescue of Emily and Jack couldn't have been done without him. Once again, we get another adult character, who has an important role in the story, without stealing the focus away from our heroes.

STORY LENGTH

The first two books in the series are at least 200 pages long, while this one is slightly under that, so it is the shortest story of the three. But every page is used well, and the story doesn't dawdle. At the end of the first chapter we are presented with a shock that sucks us in right away.

FORESHADOWING

There is one use of foreshadowing, similar to it's use in the first book. It's not difficult to spot, as whenever we learn of something new, and relating to vampires or Mexico, it often comes into play. Remember when we first met the blood rose?

EXPOSITION

This story is all about Camazotz, so there is a fair amount of exposition. We learn all about the brotherhood of Chac, as well as the four pieces of the amulet and their meaning in the first part of the book. But really, only the first book in the series throws you into the story in the middle of it, and flashbacks to the beginning with a proper introduction. So if you were satisfied with the pacing of the last two books (such as I was), this should be no problem.

PACING

After Emily discovers something important in chapter 8, it's all action.
The characters are eventually separated into two groups: Emily, Jack and Roberto in one, and Ben and our surprise character in the other. The switching between these groups starts halfway the story and ends with only a few chapters to go. Instead of switching back between the characters in every other chapter (which some may expect), we get three chapters of each group. This may make the story feel slower paced, but Rook does a good job of weaving both stories together so they can meet at their natural point.

GRAPHIC CONTENT-SPOILERS

Similar to the first book, a large group of people are killed, but are not witnessed directly. Some characters get a small amount of blood drained from them. A ritual where a heart is cut out is discussed.

CONCLUSION

The third book in the series neatly sums up Camazotz, and is full of new and unique dangers that our heroes have never faced before. Mexico is another world than Paris and London, and quite a bit more dangerous. I give it four stars our of five.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

VAMPIRE PLAGUES SERIES: “Paris, 1850” by Sebastian Rook

A SPOIL FREE SUMMARY

Professor Adensap is invited to France, the visit a friend, the Vicomte, Dampierre, who found a Mayan artifact and that is currently being kept at the Louvre. Jack, Ben, and Emily go along and discover the disease that hit London is happening in Paris-people are dying of anemia. It seems they didn't manage to banish the vampire demon for good, and once again the trio take up the mantle of fighting him.

OUR RETURNING CHARACTERS

As for Jack's character development, it's mentioned briefly that Jack has had a hard time adapting to his new life, but this isn't dwelt on enough to see the effect of this on his friends. That disappointed me. Although it was fun to watch his awkwardness of being admired by a new character, Dominique. And it was sweet to watch their friendship develop as he learns to appreciate her and the risks she takes for him, a boy she just met. It's really from her presence that we learn more about aspects of his personality.

Ben and Emily return in their same roles, Emily as the translator, and Ben as a leader. When it comes to character development, I suppose it is slightly stagnant. Relationships don't change much within the group, and even though the two apologize to Jack for not believing him about Camazotz there isn't really time to dwell on this, and how it made Jack feel.

Professor Adensnap returns as our mentor. But he is not in this book as much as the last one, to my disappointment.

OUR NEW CHARACTERS

Dampierre “The Vicomte” is the archaeologist who found “the eye”. He seems to be our mentor character, but he doesn't quite replace Adensnap, as our characters don't get to know him that well. Still, he does serve a purpose in the story. He has knowledge about Camazotz, and has an ancient manuscript that may help. His personality is nothing like Adensnap as he thinks himself rather important and even above the rules because of his position.

Dominique is the Vicomte's niece. In the beginning, she seems silly and a little dumb, but her tendency to babble on about unimportant topics are actually quite amusing. And she doesn't stay this two dimensional for long. After Jack saves her life, she becomes infatuated with him. She could have easily been a nuisance, but instead she joins the group in their fight to defeat Camazotz. Her presence at first serves to make Jack uncomfortable, but he soon grows to respect her bravery, and they develop a sweet friendship.

THIS FEELS FAMILIAR...

There are many aspects of the story that feel like a rerun of the first book. The Vicomte as our new version of Adensnap. He has a manuscript that needs translating. You get a feeling of deja vu in that regard. But there are plenty of new elements to keep you interested and in reality, in each book were learn more about Camazotz, and we can't do this without new manuscripts. Obviously, the Vicomte was needed to bring our characters to Paris. In that sense, we have to rinse and repeat regarding this pattern.

AN ODD BEGINNING

The book opens with a dream sequence. We enter Jack's personal thoughts of how he is fed up with Ben, for trying to teach him how to act, and how he misses the freedom he once had but no longer fits in with his old crowd. So when it ends up being a nightmare, with everyone turning into a vampire, this reader was left slightly confused. Was Jack really mad at Ben? Or was this a dream-argument with dream-Ben?
I think it might have served the book better to have had the scene at the docks be real and later, simply reference that Jack has been having nightmares. Or even cut to that later, showing him waking up screaming.

FORSHADOWING

Their is a slight hint at what is to come when Jack dreams, and discovers the bat artifact in his pocket. Also, Jack spots someone in the museum that doesn't seem important, but later comes into play when Jack falls into a trap.

WHAT'S NEW?

What was hinted at in the first book, the importance of the two artifacts, the “bat” and the “crown” are finally revealed. And the bulk of this book focuses on this new information and will eventually lead us to the third book. We learn about Chac, another Mayan idol, who was the enemy of Camazotz.

PACING

The pacing of this book overall, is slightly slower than the last one. Something bad happens that urges our heroes to recognize that Camazotz is alive and well pretty fast, but it's not until we are halfway though the book that we are forced to face a vampire head on. Although, to be fair, we get a precursor to the trouble three chapters before.

A DEATH

When a character dies, there isn't a feeling of sadness for very long. One might critique that aspect as a lack in character development or realism, but I believe Rook spent little time on it so as not to slow the pace of the story down. Although, I do think it would have been nice if some time later in the story was spent mourning him, perhaps with Jack blaming the others for not believing him about the threat, or Emily and Ben for blaming themselves in not believing Jack.

LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY

The climax might be not what the reader expects but it didn't bother me, as I had purchased all three books together. We do finally meet Camazotz himself, but our heroes are so outmatched that there is no real fight scene, just a scene where we try to stay alive. I think this is completely acceptable as it showed the power of Camazotz in away that first book did not. Here they are quite outnumbered by the many vampires of Paris, and they have no real way to kill Camazotz.
This book needs to be viewed as what it is, a middle piece; a precursor to book three.

GRAPHIC CONTENT-SPOILERS

There is no more gore than the first book. Two characters we know are killed, but neither are witnessed at the time. A stranger is killed later, and his body is discovered right after. We get a brief description. Also, we overhear Camazotz killing some of his vampires when he gets angry.

CONCLUSION

A worthy sequel to the first book, with a likable new character, and a taste of Camazotz real power. I give Vampire Plagues: Paris, 1850, four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!

VAMPIRE PLAGUES SERIES: “London, 1850” by Sebastian Rook

SPOILER FREE SUMMARY

In “London, 1850”, young Jack Harkett is an orphan and a pick-pocket who spends his time on the docks of London. There he meets Ben, who has recently stowed away on a ship. Ben tells Jack his fantastic story, and not to spoil it too much, it involves a trip to Mexico, a pagan temple, and a demon named Camazotz. From there we meet Ben's sister, Emily and the trio decide it is up to them to stop Camazotz, who has brought his vampiric bats with him and intends to turn the citizens of London into vampires.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jack Harkett is street savvy, adventurous, and curious. Being the outsider, he often see's things differently than his two friends. Often times, Ben turns to Jack for advice, like when they have to sneak into Camaztoz' current residence. Through the story we learn that he actually envies the siblings' relationship. Because of this aspect of his character, the reader is readily sympathetic too him.
The author doesn't spend time trying to get the reader feeling bad that Jack is an orphan and has to be a thief. Indeed, I never once thought of him as a victim but as a survivor. I found that refreshing, as I have read so many stories where the main character is a victim in almost every way imagined, in order to gain our sympathy.

Emily Cole is kind, caring, and studios. She serves as a key component to the story, as she helps gain knowledge on Camazotz. She also isn't afraid to put her life on the line, as she does almost instantly. She is obviously written for a twenty-first century audience, as girls weren't commonly students in this time period, nor so independent. Although this is slightly acknowledged, when Emily reveals she has knowledge of , Professor Adensnap seems surprised but pleased.
Even so, she is not written to be the overly-perfect female, doing anything that the boys can do, but better. In fact, she even has to be rescued by them.

Benedict Cole, having witnessed the true evils of Camazotz and his many murders, has a bit more of a realistic view on the demon Camazotz and more of a fear of him. Because of this, he is more hesitant to rush in than his sister and Jack. It's not that Ben has suffered under the demons that endears him to the reader, but the fact that he is still willing to fight. He has a strong sense of the sacrifice he may have to make.

Professor Adensnap, is a sort of mentor presented in the story, and I think he played his role well. He is neither stupid nor dense, as are many adult characters present in childrens' book. And he actually serves to help, giving the children information about the demon's history and how to send him back to Hell.

As for our villains, Camazotz comes off creepy and scary, but not cartoon-sh as some childrens' book villains have been known to do. As does his vampire minion, Mr. Brown, the butler.
We learn some of his history throughout the book but he isn't quite fleshed out. But the story doesn't suffer for it.

PACING AND FLASHBACKS

The story is well paced, never staying still too long for the reader to get bored. The scenes of research and respites are not overly long or tedious. The first portion of the book is a flashback to Mexico, and takes up about 37% of the book. I have often read on the dangers of flashbacks, but the first chapter is really trying to start us in the middle of the story, to get us curious. So it makes complete sense that we have to go back in time to see what brought us to the first chapter of the book.

ASPECTS OF THE STORY

The book is part mystery, part horror, and part action. And although there are plenty of vampire-fighting scenes, the reader is not overwhelmed, as there are plenty of other things to keep them interested, such as a chase scene, an intruder who sneaks into the Coles' home during the middle of the night, as well as the mystery of how to defeat Camazotz himself.

USES OF FORESHADOWING

There are two instances where we, the reader gets a glimpse of something that will be of much importance in the future and in defeating Camazotz. The first one was not quite as obvious as the second one. Also, in the epilogue of the book, Jack spots a vampire in the sky, and this is obvious a hint of future battles to come. As a bonus, there is also a foreshadowing of the importance of two objects, that have to do with the second book in the series. We never quite learn why they are important in this book.

AN ORIGINAL TAKE ON VAMPIRES

London makes a perfect backdrop to this story, and I would have to say the most original thing about it is the vampire King himself. Instead of our traditional vampire story, we get a new interpretation, a new origin, as well as some new rules. Although Camazotz, is routinely called a god, it is done in the same tradition as Bram Stoker, as he is a demonic force and must be sent back to Hell.

GRAPHIC CONTENT

Although many people get killed in the book, most of the deaths are not witnessed directly, but overheard (as Ben stowed away in a ship). And although one character is murdered later, it's not described in detail. Mayan history is discussed and the human sacrifices that were made.

CONLUSION

You don't have to love vampires, or even horror stories to enjoy this story. I consider myself mostly a fantasy fan, and I still loved it.
With likable characters, an original take on vampires, and plot driven not only on action but mystery, I rate “London: 1850” four and a half stars our of five.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!