Book Review: "Forbidden Sea" by Shelia A. Nielson

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Adrienne has a hard life. Her family is poor. Her mother is unable to stand up to her bossy Aunt. And she has to dress in rags. And then there is Denn, the boy she is in love with who only has eyes for another. And when she sees a mermaid things only get worse. Not to mention the new mark on her wrist.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Adrienne is the oldest daughter in a poor family. Her father died while ago and she does most of the work now. She loves horses and used to be a great rider.

Cecily is Adrienne's younger sister. She is pretty but a little naive. She is favored by her aunt.

Aunt Minnah came to live with the family after their father died. Although she acts as though she is doing them a favor, she is harsh on her sister and downright abusive to Adrienne.

Denn is Adrienne's childhood friend. He is always there for her and ready to help. But his help isn't always accepted. He has a crush on Cora Lynn Dunst.

Cora Lynn Dunst is a wealthy and gorgeous girl. She mostly ignores Adrienne and seems rather stuck up.

Jendayi is the mermaid who is sent to take Adrienne under the sea. She is blunt and often harsh. Although she often masks it.

PACING

The pacing isn't bad. There are numerous hints of a mystery planted throughout the beginning. Adrienne hints at something terrible she did in the past. The mystery of who the mermaid is and what she wants pushes us along slightly. There is some foreshadowing about Adrienne's fate when she visits a fortune teller.

THE VICTIMHOOD COMPLEX-SPOILERS

We can all relate to the outsider, who is often a victim is some ways. Certainly in how he or she has been rejected. But the problem with Adrienne is that she seems to be a victim in every way possible.

Cora, the beautiful and selfish girl is cruel to her.

The new horsemaster abuses her.

Her Aunt abuses her and favors Cecily.

Her mother refuses to stand up for her even when she sacrifices so much for the family.

Denn seems infatuated with Cora, who is obviously evil.

The boys of the village abuse her often not by just name calling, but by being physical.

And it is later revealed that it is Adrienne who lost all of their money after their father died. So there's that enormous guilt piled atop of her constant abuse.

Basically she has the worst life possible.

ADRIENNE THE SAINT-SPOILERS

Now, perhaps if she wasn't such a victim she wouldn't seem so...unrealistic. But then there is the fact that apparently she is a saint as well. So it's doubly unjust.

She cuts all her hair off for money.

She gives food to a vagabond even though she often starves.

She does all of the work.

All of her clothes have been given to Cecily so she basically wears rags.

She is amazing with horses, but not respected because she is a girl.

Her crush is too dense to know she loves him.

And to top it off, she is going to sacrifice herself to save the whole ungrateful island.

SHALLOW CHARACTERIZATION

When it comes to the characters, they feel either shallow, like stereotypes, or we just don't learn enough about them to know them at all. Lord Durran seemed so mysterious, but we never learn anything about him. I thought for sure he would have some important part to play in the story. He didn't.

Cecily comes across as selfish and narcissistic. Her sister loves her, but she doesn't seem to care about Adrienne or else she would notice that her sister is obviously in distress, hating her life. She even goes without food. But Cecily is too dumb to notice.

Poor Denn. He goes out of his way to help Adrienne and all he gets is anger, resentment and snide remarks in return. You have to wonder why he likes her. After awhile, you'd think he would just walk away.

Cora Lynn Dunst was the worst of all. Her scenes were so bad I cringed. Not that she started out that way. I actually thought that Nielson was going to develop her, show why she was the way she was. Or maybe that Adrienne didn't know everything about her. But no, she isn't just vain and shallow. She is basically evil to the point of a caricature.

I can understand what Neilson was trying to do. There isn't any main villain in the story, so she wanted to paint Cora as one. It just felt like she was trying to make Adrienne more likable in contrast. But it failed.

ADRIENNE & DENN

The romance between two childhood friends should be sweet and simple. They know each other so well. There should be private jokes and shared memories. But instead all we get from Adrienne is whining, resentment and unfounded assumptions about Denn's relationship with Cora. This seemed silly to me. Denn obviously thought she was pretty and made a dumb comment about liking pretty girls. Big deal. And he danced with her once. And yet he's the one constantly worrying about Adrienne and trying to help her. But all she can do is resent him for his charity.

STRUCTURE

The majority of the book is spent on land, with no real interaction between Adrienne and the mermaid. So when we finally meet her, in chapter twenty one, there are only seven chapters left. So there isn't much time to learn about the mermaid, her world, and meet the Prince. Its hard to take any of this seriously. We know she isn't staying. She can't meet a guy in fall in love when she has spent the whole book being miserable about Denn, who would clearly do anything for her. He's just still young and foolish. Let the boy grow up. He obviously loves her.

UNDER THE SEA

Like I pointed out about the structure, the part where we see the underwater world is nearing the end of the book. So we know that Adrienne will not be immersing herself in this world and learning to love it. She never even considers staying and says as much: “Up until that moment I hadn't seriously considered not going back.”

Wait, what? What about “sacrificing yourself to save the island?” What was that? What does the reader have to look forward to? Any sense of urgency or danger is lost. If Adrienne isn't taking this seriously, then why should we?

CLIMAX

The ending is basically Adrienne realizing how valuable she is. She is pretty. She is smart. Jendayi makes it obviously clear what the message of the book is and it's a laudable one. But Adrienne does nothing to suddenly deserve this revelation. She was a saint throughout the entire book. But she only realizes this now? After being dragged into an underwater world and dressed up with some jewelry? It's just not believable.

CONCLUSION

The story idea was an interesting one, but unfortunately it was executed all wrong. Adrienne's constant victimhood and whining made me struggle to like her. Not to mention the stereotypical villain of Cora. The structure of the story was off and there was no real chance that she would stay under the sea. And although some attempts at depth were made with revelations about Adrienne's mother and her Aunt, it's far too little too late in an ocean of misery and resentment. I give “Forbidden Sea” two stars.

Book Review: "Return to Del" by Emily Rodda

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Lief and his friends finally have all seven gems of the belt. But they must reunite the seven tribes to regain its true power. And then there is the finding of the heir. But twists and turns lead Lief confused. It doesn't help that there seems to be a traitor in their midst. And to top it off, they have to sneak into a well guarded Del.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Lief's humility revealed more of itself than in any other book. And his unique characteristic: riddle solving, is crucial to the climax.

Barda plays an important role in this book. Again, he provides crucial wisdom that allows the quest to continue.

Jasmine is consistent in character, losing her temper once again. But she later shows how she has changed, by openly crying and seeking Lief's hand for comfort.

Doom may have let his anger cloud his judgment, but he does not come across as a dumb elder, who needed a young, less jaded person to do his dirty work. Instead he just seems screwed up and we understand why from previous revelations. There is enough tension between him and Lief to cause suspicions.

Dain returns with Doom. He helps care for a wounded friend.

PACING-SPOILERS

The pacing is still decent, even thought he bulk of the book is spent outside of Del, outside of the climax. We don't actually get to Del until chapter eleven. From there, things move fast though. And we face out share of problems even before then, including grey guards, killer plants, and a character on the verge of death.

CLIMAX-SPOILERS

We face two enemies. One, which is quickly defeated, and the second, which isn't actually defeated by Lief. And Lief wins not by any actual fight, but the discovering the belt's true power. There isn't an actual fight with the shadow Lord. Now, if I didn't know about a sequel, that would annoy me. But seeing how Lief will face the Shadow Lord in another book, I can't really complain.

RIDDLES

The riddle of this book is the secret of the belt. Throughout the story, Lief is trying to discover the true power of the belt. He returns to the book but doesn't actually understand it until the climax.

THE TRUE HEIR

There are hints about who the heir is throughout the series. There was never a time where I thought, it's so obvious. So when Rodda paints one character as the heir, and then another, they both seem plausible.

EXPLICIT CONTENT-SPOILERS

Nevets kills some grey guards and disposes their bodies by feeding them to killer plants.

CONCLUSION

In Rodda's final installment, the only thing we know is that nothing is certain. There are trails laid everywhere, and most of them are false. But all secrets are eventually revealed. We see Lief and Jasmine develop more, and maybe even hint at a romantic relationship in the future. I give “Return to Del” four stars.

Book Review: "The Valley of the Lost" by Emily Rodda

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Lief and company are heading to the Valley of Shadows, but not before a detour that reveals some unpleasant things. And then there is the guardian of the valley himself, who has created a disturbing home for himself.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Lief doubts his own abilities as well if they will ever be able to find the heir when its revealed that things might be so easy. An aspect of his character that gives him realism. He also shows insight on various occasions, noticing things that neither Barda nor Jasmine do, helping solve a riddle.

Barda plays his usual role, calming down Lief and Barda when they panic upon spotting a huge group of Ols. He also informs them that a plan of theirs would fail, showing wisdom that is sorely needed.

Jasmine plays her same role as well, sensing living beings in the Valley of the Lost, and sensing the smells of a town not far off. Although she is brash a few times as she is prone to be she also admits to a mistake later, endearing herself to the reader.

Doom makes a cameo in this story. He is quite surly, which is understandable, since they sneaked out of his jail cell. He argues against them going to the Valley of Shadows, and finally reveals some of his past.

Dain returns for this story, but only for the beginning. Lief feels slightly suspicions to his strong reaction to the city of Tora.

Neridah, who fought Lief in Rithmere, ends up tagging along. Lief does not trust her, remembering her deceitful nature in the ring.

NEW CHARACTERS

The guardian of the Valley of the Lost is lover of games. While he lives in a palace, his subjects are frail and weak. He seems mentally unstable.

PACING

There is not as much action as the last books. Much of the story is exploration as well as the seeds of mysteries being planted for the final story to come. Who is Doom? Why is he so against them going to the Valley of Shadows? Is he trustworthy? What happened to the people of Tora? Where could the heir be now? It's really these questions that urge the reader on, not cliffhanger hangings and action scenes.

RIDDLES

There is one riddle, but it leads up the climax and takes up three chapters. Also, the poem itself has multiple riddles inside it. This was one of my favorites. There are clues planted beforehand that are easy to mistake as the ramblings of an insane man. There is also a puzzle, as well as a game of comparison between two images. I had fun with that last one especially.

FORESHADOWING

There are plenty of hints of something being discovered, but not being revealed directly. Like when Lief figures out what happened to the city of Tora, or when he thinks there is reason why they should not steal the diamond, but he is not sure why. These little things make the reader rush forward, waiting for the mystery to be revealed.

PATTERN-SPOILERS

There is a detour in the story, being the exploration of Tora. It takes up seven chapters out of the sixteen. And another is used for travel. So by chapter eight we have arrived at our destination, the Valley of shadows. So it basically takes up half the book. This is in line with the other books, where half of the story or more is taken by an impediment to their quest.

CLIMAX

Rodda sticks to her usual method, as there is no fight scene. Instead Lief and company have to solve a riddle. This doesn't seem like it would be exciting, but the conclusion definitely brings dread and a confrontation. As well as some realizations about Doom.

EXPLICIT CONTENT-SPOILERS

A character dies from falling and hitting their head on a rock, although this is not witnessed directly.

CONCLUSION

Rodda bases this story more on mysteries and suspense but it's still well paced. It's a perfect prelude to the last book. Our characters are fully fleshed out by now, so she focuses on what's important: the mystery of the heir, King Endon's last actions, and if there is hope for a future. I give “The Valley of the Lost” four stars.

Book Review: "The Maze of the Beast" by Emily Rodda

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Lief and his friends are headed for the maze of the beast, but they have more than a few things stopping them. Like returning a member of the resistance, Dain, to a refuge. Then there are the pirates that lurk around and destroy whole towns, as well as the monstrous worms in in the river. Not to mention a new type of monster, under orders from the Shadow Lord to hunt them down.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Lief struggles from many of his previous doubts. He shows moments of vulnerability, once in the maze, he thinks its futile. And that they would always end up here to die. Another time, an inner voice mocks him saying there is no hope. He continues to be a realistic character with doubts and fears.

Barda plays his same role, calming and guiding Jasmine and Lief. Although he acts strange later on. He comes to their rescue when they least expect it and offers wisdom and hope they desperately need.

Jasmine shows her ability to do what needs to be done by going off on her own, as well as her resourcefulness later. She is the first to be suspicious of Dain. She surprised me by showing weakness by sobbing from a fear of drowning.

NEW CHARACTERS

Dain is a member of the resistance, and was in Rithmere with Doom. Doom is like a father to him. He travels along with our heroes while he is injured. He is quiet and dignified but Lief does not trust him completely, thinking there is something dark underneath.

Ols are a new type of monster that we see quite a bit in this book. Dain teaches us about them and the different grades. Some are easy to identify, but others harder.

PACING

The pacing is excellent and I found although we didn't reach the monster near the last few chapters of the book, there is one problem after the next. This keeps the reader going, as well as many good chapter endings.

There isn't just one thing keeping our heroes from their goal, like previously. There is the resistance. There are the pirates. There is the monster known as the Glus. There's the ocean itself that becomes a threat, in multiple forms. Again, this break in the story pattern mold is welcome and helps the pacing.

SECRETS & LIES

There are some suspicions about Dain and why he wants to go to Tora. The city is mostly a secret, although we learn some about it. There is also the mysterious Doom and his motivations. Some of his history is revealed by Dain but it sounds unbelievable. Later on we even doubt if he is on their side at all, or has betrayed them. This is a new, unique aspect of the story.

RELATIONSHIPS

Jasmine agrees to split up from them and Lief notes more than once that he misses her and it is dull without her. Also, when he see's Dain's admiration for Jasmine, he feels jealous. I thought this was sweet and the first real sign of feelings that he may have for her.

There is a sweet scene where Lief embraces Barda, fearing he was dead.

RIDDLES

There is a riddle where Lief has to figure out the password to get inside the resistance's haven. There is a hint earlier one and a piece of paper that helps him. I had fun trying to figure it out.

CLIMAX

When it comes to the Glus, there is no knock down, drag out fight. But seeing a fight over and over again would not be very creative. Rodda usually likes to show her characters have to use their brains and think of a way out. Often times, she plants hints on how they can obtain a gem and get around the guardian. If the way was, use your sword, it would be rather repetitive.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

A pirate is killed by the Glus, but we don't witness it, only hear it.

CONCLUSION

Rodda paints another book, that is full of twists and turns. She plants enough seeds for the reader to look for, while giving us doubts about everything. This adds a whole new level to the story. Her characters are consistent and realistic and continue to face their fears, coming out stronger. I give “The Maze of the Beast” four stars.

Book Review: "Dread Mountain" by Emily Rodda

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Lief and his friends are finally on their way to Dread mountain. And with the help of some new friends, may get their without incident. But when they arrive, they still have to deal with the gnomes that guard the mountain and their treasure. And it turns out there is more than the gnomes to deal with.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Lief shows multiple instances of awareness at his own failings, as well as how he has changed since he started this journey. But in some ways, it is revealed, he still has growing up to do in an argument scene with Barda. But he retains his cleverness with puzzles. And for the first time, it is he alone who is instrumental in the climax. He also shows maturity, when he calmly decides he will give his life for his cause.

Barda seems to have revealed his place. He keeps Jasmine from acting on her temper, as well as calming Lief when he is not thinking clearly. He plays a key role in this book, finally replacing Jasmine, who has dominated the series so far. His idea helps the group find a path to the mountain and he keeps Lief from actually abandoning there mission altogether, which is crucial.

Jasmine still loses her temper, although she is always calmed by Barda or Lief. She still shows a lack of trust with people other than her friends, when it comes to a mystery surrounding Doom. But for the first time, she serves as a voice of wisdom and calm, when it is discovered that they have an unexpected guest on their journey. Normally, her wisdom is relegated to her ability to talk to the trees and her knowledge of the land.

NEW CHARACTERS

Prin is the youngest of the Kin, a race of creatures that slightly resemble dogs, but stand upright and have pouches for their young. Although she is the youngest of her family, Prin goes from being whiny and selfish to being brave and selfless. She also proves essential to the team.

RELATIONSHIPS

Barda again plays the part of a mentor to Lief, but for the first time, we see him react to Jasmine being in serious danger. For once, he loses his temper, while Jasmine is the calm one. It was an interesting switch, seeing Jasmine be gentle with Prin, and Barda letting his emotions get the better of him.

PACING & PATTERN

The pacing is still decent. Same cliffhanger endings that move things along. And the pattern is not exactly the same as the last few books. We get to the mountain pretty fast in the book. There is no large event that keeps us from our destination, like the fighting tournament in “The Shifting Sands” or the cult in “City of the Rats”. Although Rodda follows the same pattern of having a new helper, this time Prin, being instrumental in the quest.

RIDDLES

There is a clever use of hidden words, that makes you go pages back and test it out yourself. That was one of my favorites so far.

FORESHADOWING

There is good use of foreshadowing and hints at what is to come. Multiple times, the reader is given a hint that something is not right, or given information that should be stored away for future use. Its a sign of good storytelling when all the information you get is crucial to the story. Everything carries meaning. Even if the reader cannot see it at the time.

THE ODD VRAAL

There is a fight scene with a scaly beast called a Vraal. For some reason, we get inside of its head, and see its point of view in the fight, before we go back to Lief. It felt odd to me. I kept thinking, why are we learning so much about this monster? Why do I care? It made me think that it was going to return and play a more important role. But it never did. It just felt strange to me.

EXPLICIT CONTENT-SPOILERS

Some gnomes are witnessed being poisoned and dying. Members of the guard are killed through magic.

CONCLUSION

Rodda creates another story with good pacing and likable characters that are consistent and developing. Not to mention Barda has finally seemed to have been given a clear place on the team. The story pattern is changed up slightly, and Lief surprised me by having a solo role. I give “Dread Mountain” four stars.