Thursday, April 26, 2012

Movie Stars...Writing??

The name Hilary Duff immediately triggers childhood memories of the beloved Lizzie McGuire, but now this multitalented actress has tackled another goal; her book Elixir

Clea Raymond has never had the chance to escape the paparazzi her entire life, mainly because she is the daughter of a renowned surgeon and a powerful political figure. But Clea is not one to hide in her parents shadows, she aspires to become a talented photojournalist. Her career goals abruptly halt when Clea's father goes missing. To top that off her photos are being haunted by a beautiful young man, a man that she has only seen in her dreams. When fate pushes this mysterious figure into her life she is forced to dig the truth about her father, and her own self. 
As a first novel I think Hilary Duff did a good job. Truth be told I had such high expectations from her, due to the fact I adored her as an actress. So while reading this book, I was disappointed. Throughout the novel I had many dramatic flashbacks to the books Fallen by Lauren Kate and Evermore by Alyson Noel. Not only was the plot shockingly similar to another novel, but I felt that the book included many irrelevant details. I'm hoping that the second novel will be better, because as the saying goes "Practice makes Perfect!" In total I am going to be generous and give the novel a two out of five stars.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Royalty, Gangs, and Wizards...Oh My!

I can only rave about The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima.

The book takes place the city of Fellsmarch, where things are quickly going astray. Reformed street lord Han Alister is desperate to create a living for his family, but the only thing of value he owns are his silver cuffs. These cuffs are clearly magicked; because despite his effort to pry them off his arms, they won't budge. Han's normalcy quickly erodes on the fateful day he confronts Micah Bayar, and steals his amulet. The Bayar family will stop at nothing in order to get the amulet back. 
On the opposite side of society, Rasia ana'Marianna, the princess heir of Fellsmarch has returned to the palace after three years of freedom in the clan. Rasia wants to break through the cage of poise that has become her life, and become like the legendary Queen Hanalea.  Her mother has other plans for Rasia, involving a marriage that could tear her world apart at its very core.
Cinda Williams Chima has crafted a marvelous world. I cannot express the amount of praise I hold for this book, and I would easily give it a five out of five stars.