The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Title: The Westing Game
Author: Ellen Raskin
Page Count: 216
Rating: B
Keywords: Murder Mystery, Game, Challenge, Family, Friends
Genre: Children's Fiction
Younger Readers: Language and content are both appropriate for children.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger - and a possible murderer - to inherit his vast fortune, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead... but that won't stop him from playing one last game!

My Review:

This was another book that I read for work. The premise was interesting and I have always been a fan of mystery so I was hopeful going into this one.

Things I did like were the mystery itself, some of the characters, and the fast pace of the novel. Sam Westing's murder and the ensuing game are a bit outlandish in the way that only children's books can be but are certainly entertaining. Working through the nonsensical clues with the sixteen heirs is great fun and each character is unique. Many will enjoy the varied heirs from the stunning and obedient Angela, to the mildly crazy Sydelle, the angry Mr. Hoo, and Turtle the kicker. All of these oddball characters transform throughout the novel as they chase down clues pointing to Westing's murderer. From one chapter to the next, there is no slowing in action. Plus the mystery is truly a mystery until the very end.

What I did not like was that there was so much going on so quickly and there were too many characters introduced at once. Younger readers enjoy this book but are quick to become confused from one chapter to the next. All sixteen characters are introduced at once and it takes time to piece together who is who while a fast pace lends itself more to nonstop action than plot development. Big mystery, big characters, and a short book led to general confusion for many.

I did enjoy The Westing Game as an overall fun read with a sweet ending. However, I did not love it. For younger readers who are not great at keeping details straight this could prove to be a difficult read. As an adult, I found myself losing track of who was who up until about half way through the book. If you think it sounds interesting and are up for the challenge then I fully recommend checking it out. I certainly do not regret doing so.

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Title: Freak the Mighty
Author: Rodman Philbrick
Page Count: 169
Rating: A
Keywords: Friendship, Growing Up, Middle School, Don't judge a book by its cover
Genre: Children's Fiction
Younger Readers: This is a children's book so the content should be appropriate for most readers. There is a parental figure in jail and certain parts of the book may be too intense for very young (preschool age) children.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Two boys – a slow learner stuck in the body of a teenage giant and a tiny Einstein in leg braces – forge a unique friendship when they pair up to create one formidable human force. A wonderful story of triumph over imperfection, shame, and loss.

My Review:

I read this for work and when I first skimmed the synopsis and looked at the cover I honestly was not expecting too much from this book. I thought I would be a little bored. I was happy to learn that I was horribly wrong.

Having a book surprise me is always one of the greatest joys of being a reader. There were obvious messages present throughout the novel, as with most children's books. Two of the main points were "don't judge a book by its cover" and then the importance of friendship. Kevin (Freak) is brainy and loveable, never letting his physical disabilities hold him back, while Max (the Mighty portion of Freak the Mighty) is much sweeter than his hulking physical presence would suggest. The way that they help one another grow throughout the novel is fun to read and shows the importance of a good friendship and how transformative love, even when its not in the romantic sense that many books push more heavily, can be.

There was also a sense of mystery that I enjoyed. Philbrick alludes to Max's past but does not let on what has truly transpired until the very end of the book. These little hints were not too difficult to pick out and guess as an adult reader but children will definitely be left guessing a bit more. In this way there is a greater sense of suspense that will keep reader's engaged.

This book is really great and at only 169 pages it will not take you long to read. Pick this one up. You won't regret diving into this unexpected treasure.

Kinda Sorta a Spoiler but Not Really:

If you're a crier, grab some tissues.

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Page Count: 406
Rating: A
Keywords: Fantasy, True Love, Jinni, Aladdin, Retelling
Genre: Young Adult
Younger Readers: Language is not really an issue with this one and the romantic scenes do not wander much past intense making out.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world... When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Aladdin from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

My Review:

If you are looking for a stand alone novel to dive into rather than trying to commit to a new series, then this might just be the pick for you. It is a retelling of Aladdin with the genie, or jinni, being a female rather than the traditional man. And this is where the problems come into play.

First off, Jessica Khoury is an amazing writer. The world she created was rich and fascinating. I devoured the words from the page, immersing myself into the culture she had created. It was unique and refreshing. Her description stood out from the YA norm with their depth. Rather than the normal corniness that can come with jinni tales, this one was beautifully done. You experience everything as if you were there. Sarah J. Maas's praise on the front cover reads "Lush, romantic, and exquisitely written- a rare, glittering jewel" and I could not agree more.

Zahra is ancient compared to Aladdin. Typically this would create a disconnect between the two characters. The Forbidden Wish does a good job of avoiding this discrepancy though. She is not an idiot by any means but her role as jinni has limited her experiences and made her fearful of the world. Watching her explore the world as her feelings grow for Aladdin and testing the limits as she has known them is a lot of fun.

Now for Aladdin. I HATE the player type character. You know which one I'm talking about? The one that is vague about his intentions towards the heroine. Sometimes he is known to be a major flirt, only wanting a pretty girl. Flitting from one relationship to the next. Never saying if he wants to be a friend or more? This is annoying in the real world and fiction. Becomes boring rather quickly. I was terrified as I started the book that this was going to be Aladdin, especially during the scene at the Rings. He seemed like he had played at least one character in the past and was quickly drawn to the pretties girl around. I was pleasantly surprised with him though. His character experiences development, growing up from the player boy to honorable young man. Just get past his initial annoyances and you're golden.

If you're not a fan of love triangles I would not worry too much about this one. Yes, Aladdin does have his choice between two beautiful girls. However, it is not presented in the desperate annoying way where he cannot tell which one he loves more. Trust me on this one. And if you hate instalove, do not worry. It is the more satisfying, or realistic, friendship that grows into more.

As the story came to an end I found myself sad that it was a stand alone. I wanted so much more from Aladdin and Zahra. I absolutely recommend this one.

The Great Hunt (Eurona Duology #1) by Wendy Higgins

Title: The Great Hunt
Author: Wendy Higgins
Page Count: 406
Rating: A
Keywords: Fantasy, Magic, Monsters, War, Hunt, Love
Genre: Young Adult
Younger Readers: Typical young adult romance and language.
Synopsis from Goodreads:

“Aerity…” Her father paused as if the words he was forming pained him. “I must ask you to sacrifice the promise of love for the sake of our kingdom.”

She could only stare back, frozen.

When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom.

My Review:

I have read Wendy Higgins' Sweet Evil and found it to be a fun, sexy read that went by quickly. With this in mind, I was excited to hear that she had a new fantasy novel coming out and even more so when I heard that it would be a duology. Shorter series and in my favorite genre? Double win. This book certainly did not disappoint my expectations.

I really LOVED this book. The world building was well done and the characters were loveable. Development existed throughout and the action was well paced.

Aerity was a cool character. She is a princess that everyone thinks will be vain and arrogant. However, she is compassionate and caring. Her life in the castle is certainly sheltered and she is oblivious to aspects of life that would be considered common knowledge for most, but it only makes her more endearing. Her skills with acrobatics were a fun twist to the normal warrior, princess type I am used to reading. Her sister Vixie and cousin Wyneth were great secondary characters that balanced Aerity's personality well and added depth to the story.

If you are looking for book hunks to swoon over, there is a variety to choose from. Personally, I liked the mysterious Paxton and all the twists that his storyline took. He is a prime example of the bad boy with a heart of gold that is a staple in the YA genre. I love him though. His younger brother, Tiern, is boyish and sweet. Lief is the stereotypical hot Viking, all muscles and blonde hair. Another bad boy type. Harrison is the honorable young man, always watching out for everyone else. The good guy every girl wants to meet. Then there are plenty of other hunters mentioned throughout. So, whatever your type is (in the real world or in books) this one has you covered.

Then there is what Higgins did with the beast. I do not want to give too much away, but in the beginning of the book it is nothing more than a creature to be hated. It is not a main character but it still experiences development. By the end of the book I was almost in tears reading about the creature, visualizing it more as a puppy than a homicidal monster. I love when a book has me think one thing at the beginning and by the end my thoughts have done a complete 180.

Romantic tension? Check. Hunks to drool over? Check. Unexpected twists? Check. Likeable protagonist? Check. Moral grey areas? Check. Fantastic twist on the concept of magic? Check.

If you like Wendy Higgins, or fantasy, or just good books in general then I would check this one out. It is fun and fast paced with enjoyable fantasy elements that will not drag down the weary reader but still entertain the fantasy lover.

Now comes the long wait for book two. *cries*

Note on the Damsel in Distress Archetype:

One of the number one complaints I noticed in negative reviews for this book was that Aerity was too much a damsel in distress and that she should have been more "badass" like Katniss from the Hunger Games or Tris from Divergent. Aerity is a very cool character but she certainly is not like these two dystopian heroines. Her physical strengths are put to use in acrobatic tricks and she does do archery. However, she does not do the traditional strong heroine activities set up in these other two series mentioned.

However, it is important to mention that in the real world not everyone is identical. Not everyone is physically capable of completing the same tasks or has the same training. Aerity is a princess set to take the throne after her father's passing and her family's main concern is that she survives. Putting herself in dangerous, life-threatening situations for the purpose of combat training would not have been likely.

Look at her sacrificing her right to choose who she marries. Some may consider this trivial, but a part of her freedom is being taken away so that she may protect her people. That is heroic even if it is not in the way we are used to seeing it in YA fiction.

Sometimes the damsel in distress archetype can be overdone and inappropriate. However, in this story I believe it is fitting with the plot and setting. Agree? Agree to disagree?