Review: Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Fantastic fiction  

Ideal for fans of: Cursed, The Darkest Minds series

What makes it special? Dashes of well-known myth a bit of magical realism, and a strong female protagonist

Get it in South Africa from: Jonathan Ball Publishers

 

Tamsin Lark isn’t your average teenager. It’s not because she doesn’t know her parents, or that she and her brother Cabell have been under the guardianship of a man with a bad reputation and a habit of robbing graves.

Instead, it’s because she’s a Hollower. But unlike the other people in her world, Tamsin lacks the One Vision. She can’t see the traces of magic everywhere around her. And she’s ok with that. Because she has her brother and his curse to worry about.

Yes, I forgot to mention that what makes Tamsin extra special, is that her brother is cursed to turn into a hound, and she desperately wants to find a cure.

Which is how she ends up involved in a dangerous adventure under the patronage of a sorceress – to retrieve a piece of treasure that once belonged to King Arthur himself.

Only, Tamsin soon learns that there’s more danger, intrigue, and secrets surrounding this quest than she could have guessed. And obviously, her life will never be the same.

Silver In The Bone immediately launches into action from the first word, and doesn’t let the reader go until the last page. With gorgeous imagery, poetic prose, and a mind-blowing marriage of myth and reality, this book is almost perfect.

I say almost, because its author has committed what I consider a heinous crime – ended our time with Tamsin on a sinister cliff hanger that will make you desperate for the next book, only you can’t get it yet. That’s cruel, Alexandra.

Fangirl grumping aside, this book was superb. It struck the perfect balance between sinister magic and otherworldly adventure, with romance, friendship, regret, and even more magic. On top of that, we get a totally fresh perspective of the Arthurian tale – not a retelling, but a glorious add on that makes both stories seem fuller.

Silver In The Bone is engaging, action-packed, fun, and original. I can’t wait for the rest of Tamsin’s story, and to find out what happens next. And nor will you. 

Silver In The Bone by Alexandra Bracken is published by Quercus, a division of Hodder & Stoughton, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.

  

Review: Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Magical fiction  

Ideal for fans of: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Pan's Labyrinth

What makes it special? A strong female protagonist, and a horde of mythical creatures

Get it in South Africa from: Jonathan Ball Publishers 

Marjan’s world has just been turned on her head. Although she’s just a high schooler, she’s suddenly the owner of a veterinary practice, and an orphan. Because just a few weeks ago, Marjan’s father and the original practice owner was murdered. 

And no one has any idea who the killer can be. 

Of course, Marjan is used to being on her own anyway, as her dad frequently had to travel all over to help people with their pets. Just like a normal vet, right?

Right?

Wrong. 

Because Marjan soon finds out that there was more to her dad than she ever realised, and that the fairy tales she grew up listening to were more real than she ever realised. Now that her dad is gone, it’s up to Marjan to continue his work while trying to come to grips with the world of magic, mythical creatures, and betrayal. 

As an adult, I was enthralled by this YA beauty. But can I be honest? If I was a teenager, I would be obsessed, because Once There Was has all the ingredients of a superb story that can live on for generations. 

A hidden world of magic and mystery? Check. 

A strong female lead who doesn’t get distracted by silly boys or her image? Check 

A dash of romance that doesn’t steal the show? Check.

A thrilling plot and loveable characters? Check. 

Magic, myth, and legend? Double check.

To be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Once There Was becomes the Harry Potter of its age, albeit for a slightly older audience, and a more female one at that. Kiyash Monsef has added a fresh take on the trope of orphan navigating a secret world, and made it more relatable, more mature, and infinitely more interesting. She’s also taken elevated the literary teen from love interest and bystander to powerhouse and protagonist, and what’s not to love about that? 

I certainly hope there will be a sequel, because I suspect Marjan has great things ahead of her, and I can’t wait for the next adventure.

Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef is published by Simon & Schuster, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.

Review: How To Calm Your Mind By Chris Bailey

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Self help, backed by science

Ideal for fans of: New Scientist and Ed Yong

What makes it special? It offers solutions to the problems it presents 

Get it in South Africa from: Pan Macmillan South Africa

Have you ever looked at a book and just known that it was written specifically for you? That’s exactly how I felt when I spied Chris Bailey’s How To Calm Your Mind. TED (of TEDTalks) described Bailey as ‘The most productive man you’ll ever hope to meet.’ Literally – it’s on the cover. And yet there was a scoffing voice in my head that said ‘Pah, I bet I could rival him for that title.’

You see, I am addicted to busyness. To productivity. To getting things done. For years, I’ve had people asking me ‘how do you do it all? Where do you get the energy? How are you so disciplined?’. Well, dear reader, it turns out I’m just addicted to getting ish done.

And that may look very cool from an outsider’s perspective, but shall I let you in on a secret that Bailey is also desperately trying to share? It’s not necessarily a good thing. Because if, like me, you can’t switch off, you’re heading for burnout and disaster.

But enough about me. If you felt like you could see yourself in my waffling above, you need to read this book. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re so anxious no matter what you try to counteract it, you need to read this book. If you want to find out why you have that constant niggling feeling of something missing, of guilt, of needing to do something, you need to read this book.

Screw it, let me be more clear. Everyone needs to read this book.

Bailey has presented a thoroughly well-researched, humorous and easy to read book that really will improve your life.

First, he starts by defining stress or anxiety, and defining calm. Then he shows how our constant need to be doing more and getting more (and thus our dopamine addiction) is really not leading to fulfilment – it’s leading to burnout.

However, the true value of How To Calm Your Mind is not just Bailey’s extensive definitions and examples – it’s the fact that he lists several useful tools and tricks that will allow the reader to actively shift from anxiety to calm – although the trip certainly won’t be easy.

Of course, you’ll need to get a copy of the book to see these tips, but I can guarantee you they are worth it. I’ve already started following some of Bailey’s advice, and honestly, I can see a difference in my stress levels already. So why not do the same?

To read Bailey is to learn how to change your life for the better, so go on and do it.

How To Calm Your Mind By Chris Bailey is published by Macmillan, an imprint of Pan Macmillan.

Review: Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Mythological fiction  

Ideal for fans of: Stephen Fry and Madelaine Miller  

What makes it special? Unique retelling of a well-known Greek myth

Get it in South Africa from: Pan Macmillan South Africa

Medusa’s story is one of the best-known Greek myths. The Gorgon with the power to turn anything that met her gaze to stone, Medusa has been viewed as a monster for centuries. Similarly, the brave warrior who ended her reign of terror – Perseus – has the legacy of a hero, monster slayer and favourite of the gods. In beheading Medusa, he saved mankind from a bitter and evil woman, who relished her petrifying abilities.

But is that really how it all went down?

After all, what makes a monster?

These questions are central to Natalie Haynes’ investigation of Medusa.

In Stone Blind, Perseus is not the golden hero who saves the world from the ravages of a demented Gorgon. Instead, he has been cast as a vicious little thug, who murdered a girl for no real purpose. He is inexperienced, dim-witted and cowardly. And it changes everything.

According to Haynes, Perseus has no idea what he’s doing. He’s not cunning, but cruel.

Stone Blind is a feminist retelling of Medusa’s story. It begins long before her birth, providing context of the tragedies to which she was exposed, purely for the entertainment of the Greek gods.

Because if the inhabitants of Olympus treated people as their playthings, Medusa was their favourite toy. Her life was ruined by a meaningless battle – of egos – between Athene and Poseidon. Medusa did nothing to deserve her fate.

And then came Perseus, to give her an undeserved ending.

Of course, all mythology is open to interpretation and a bit of retelling. It’s what makes these stories linger throughout history. But Haynes has really outdone herself, and retold this piece of mythology in a totally unique way. For the first time, we see the other side of the story – a narrative forgotten or silenced or just never imagined.

In addition to giving us ample food for thought, and reason to want to demolish the patriarchy, this book features several well-known cast members of the theatre that is Greek myth. Altogether, Stone Blind is a vibrant and new way to see an old story, and it’s amazing.

Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes is published by Mantle, an imprint of Pan Macmillan.

Review: Leech by Hiron Ennes

Rating: Buy it ASAP – a bookshelf essential

What is it? Fiction  

Ideal for fans of: Iain Reid, Alice Feeney

What makes it special? Totally unique story, unexpected twists

Get it in South Africa from: Pan Macmillan South Africa

The Interprovincial Medical Institute has just sent a replacement doctor to an isolated chateau in the countryside. Nestled deep within the mines and soon to be buried under the winter snows, the chateau is run by an ailing baron, whose previous doctor died unexpectedly. Now, the Institute seeks answers. However, the cause of death could shake the very foundations upon which the Institute stands. Buried deep within the deceased is a parasite of undetermined origin. And that should have been impossible, because the physicians are already under the control of the Institute itself.

As the parasite spreads, the Institute faces competition. It begins to lose its grip on the household, and as a result, deadly secrets come tumbling out.

Have you noticed that these days, the entertainment industry seems to regurgitate the same stories, plots or tropes? It’s often pretty easy to predict the plots and twists of stories these days. In fact, critics might just be tempted to loudly declare, “There are no new stories anymore – it’s all been done!” Thankfully, Hiron Ennes has just proven that to be completely incorrect. Not only have they presented a totally unexpected protagonist in a never-before-seen context, but Ennes has also managed to add a refreshing setting, language, and history to the story, to boot. Leech is the literary equivalent of a breath of fresh air. Even better, it ticks all the right boxes for a perfect thriller.

If this story doesn’t get turned into a film, it’s just because it hasn’t been read by the right people yet. So keep your eyes peeled. I would even go so far as to say it could usher in a new type of storytelling. It’s THAT good.

Also, Leech is more than just a page-turning thriller with a riveting plot. It’s an introduction to a world of endless possibility. Clever, thought-provoking, and chilling, Ennes has penned a work of art that’s also a brilliant piece of social commentary. By the time you reach the final chapter, you’ll be hard pressed not to question what you know about humanity, and the monsters that hide within it.

Leech by Hiron Ennes is published by Tor, an imprint of Pan Macmillan.