JESS JUST READS

A BOOK REVIEW BLOG

The Witch Who Courted Death by Maria Lewis

Considering her status as the world’s most powerful medium, Casper von Klitzing and her twin brother Baristan have lived a pretty normal life – until now.

After a horrific incident in her home city of Berlin, orchestrated by the mysterious Oct, Casper is consumed with vengeance towards an enemy she doesn’t understand. But the only other person ever to escape Oct was a witch – and so Casper is soon on her trail. But this witch does not want to be found.

Diving headfirst into the supernaturally secretive world of spells, charms and covens, it’s not long before Casper is crossing more than just the line between the living and the dead . . .

The Witch Who Courted Death is the start of a new fantasy duology by Australian author Maria Lewis, reimagining the role of ghosts and witches in present day society.

This was a delightful read. I was completely smitten with pretty much everything inside these pages, from the plot to the characters to the world to the writing. Maria Lewis is so talented. I’ve read quite a few of her books now and The Witch Who Courted Death is my favourite so far.

After a horror attack in Berlin, protagonist Corvossier is planning revenge. In order to track down the people who killed her brother and stole her arm, she must team up with a witch who has escaped them before.

Maria Lewis has taken the concept of ‘mediums’ and ‘ghosts’ and completely reinvented them. Corvossier can interact with ghosts and help them move on. She can encourage them to cross through and find peace outside of our world.

When we meet her at the beginning of the novel, her and her brother Baristan are working to remove a vengeful, angry ghost from a haunted house. They’re strong and they’re prepared and this really sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

“As a general rule it was always best to navigate life as politely as possible, especially when dealing with the dead. The ghost looked up, blinking for a moment before glancing around the room with surprise. She registered their presence for the first time, somewhat snapping out of her daze.”

The Witch Who Courted Death illustrates an incredible amount of research from Maria Lewis; the book finishes with a four-page glossary, describing words for the reader like Alchemist to Selkie to Vankila.

The plot felt original and enriching, the dialogue realistic, and the characters diverse and relatable. I loved the strong bond between Corvossier and her brother, and the budding relationship between Corvossier and witch Opal. There were also a cast of secondary characters like Heath and Sprinkle who added humour and warmth to the novel.

“She remained still, Corvossier touching her fingertips to the woman’s temple. They could physically interact here, on this plane, and she could tell just by the way the ghost’s body stiffened that she had forgotten what it was like to be touched. Images flashed in front of her eyes, like a deck of cards being shuffled.”

I’m now heavily invested in the series and really looking forward to the sequel. I love that a disabled, bisexual character was the protagonist for the book and her relationship with another female was a dominant part of the story, not something glossed over or skipped.

Urban fantasy readers will love this new edition to the genre. The Witch Who Courted Death will also delight all readers, young and old, even if you’re a stranger to this genre.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Witch Who Courted Death
Maria Lewis
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan

December 2018, and free-spirited influencers Bo Loxley and her partner Zac are living a life of wanderlust, travelling the globe and sharing their adventures with their millions of fans. Booked to spend Christmas in the Norwegian fjords, they set up home in a remote farm owned by enigmatic mountain guide Anders and his fierce grandmother Signy. Surrounded by snowy peaks and frozen falls, everything should be perfect. But the camera can lie and with every new post, the ‘perfect’ life Zac and Bo are portraying is diverging from the truth. Something Bo can’t explain is wrong at the very heart of their lives and Anders is the only person who’ll listen.

June 1936, and fourteen-year old Signy is sent with her sister and village friends to the summer pastures to work as milkmaids, protecting the herd that will sustain the farm through the long, winter months. But miles from home and away from the safety of their families, threat begins to lurk in friendly faces…

The mountains keep secrets – Signy knows this better than anyone – and as Bo’s life begins to spiral she is forced, like the old woman before her, to question who is friend and who is foe.

The Christmas Lights by Karen Swan is a festive novel set in the scenic fjords of Norway.

The book alternates between December 2018 and June 1936. In the present, Instagram influencers Amy ‘Bo’ Loxley and Zac Austen have arrived in Norway with their photographer Lenny and their clothing brand representative Anna. They’re planning to spend a couple of weeks in a remote cabin taking beautiful photographs of their surroundings for their followers and promote the clothing line that’s paying them $200K.

In June 1936, we meet a group of young women as they undertake work as milkmaids in the summer pastures. Friendships are tested and intentions are questioned.

It took me some time to warm to the 1936 storyline. At first, I felt like the characters weren’t relatable and I found my attention waning. But over time, I became invested in the tension between the young girls and the chilling events that were unfolding deep within the Norwegian woods.

I adored Zac and Bo’s storyline, and Karen Swan has done a fabulous job of capturing the setting. The beautiful wintry locations in the book are described so clearly, I was enraptured. The characters visit stunning, scenic waterfalls, mountains and icy fjords. The setting itself feels like a character in the book, concealing beautiful and dangerous locations and only revealing itself to those who are truly interested.

Bo is torn between what she wants her life to be like and what her life is expected to be. She’s got millions of adoring fans online, but is she really happy? Is this what she wants? And does Zac have her best interests at heart?

“She felt even angrier now. She had always made a point of never commenting on Lenny’s love life; if sleeping around made him happy, she wasn’t going to stand in judgement of it, but she could already see how this was going to play out.”

Underneath all of this, there is also a dangerous stalker lurking in the background. A man, who is unknown to Bo, has been stalking her online and following her around the world. She’s worried what will happen when he catches up to her, and no one except her new friend Anders seems to be taking her seriously.

Bo learns to trust her instincts and acknowledge the cracks in her relationship. Her and Zac were once leading a healthy relationship, but they’re not anymore. Bo isn’t happy with Zac and Lenny’s lifestyle and this holiday to Norway is opening her eyes to what life could really be like for Bo if she started leading her life the way she actually wanted.

“She didn’t know what to do with herself — what to do or where to go — and was still perched on the edge of the sofa when she heard him go back down the stairs ten minutes later.”

At first, Bo is quite a shallow person only thinking about her followers and her online presence. But over time, we realise there’s more to her as a character and we come to understand her and like her more.

Signy, who is the main character in the 1936 storyling, is still alive in 2018. She’s now a 96 year old woman and she’s living in the remote cabin that Bo and her friends are bunking in for the holidays. Signy recognises herself in Bo and takes a liking to her, offering her advice and encouraging her to open her eyes to what’s really around her. At first, Bo is sceptical. But then she comes to understand what Signy is trying to tell her.

In the end, I did think the similarities between Anders’ backstory and Bo’s stalker were a little absurd and way too coincidental. I almost think Anders’ past could’ve been cut out of the book and everything would’ve been fine.

An enjoyable read with a beautiful setting and an intriguing premise.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Christmas Lights
Karen Swan
November 2018
Pan Macmillan Publishers

Elevation by Stephen King

Castle Rock is a small town, where word gets around quickly. That’s why Scott Carey wants to confide only in his friend Doctor Bob Ellis about his strange condition: he’s losing weight, without getting thinner, and the scales register the same when he is in his clothes or out of them, however heavy they are.

Scott also has new neighbours, who have opened a ‘fine dining experience’ in town, although it’s an experience being shunned by the locals; Deidre McComb and her wife Missy Donaldson don’t exactly fit in with the community’s expectations. And now Scott seems trapped in a feud with the couple over their dogs dropping their business on his lawn. Missy may be friendly, but Deidre is cold as ice.

As the town prepares for its annual Thanksgiving 12k run, Scott starts to understand the prejudices his neighbours face and he tries to help. Unlikely alliances form and the mystery of Scott’s affliction brings out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.

Elevation by Stephen King is a touching, captivating novella about how one man’s mysterious medical condition results in a small town growing closer together and overcoming prejudices.

There are a couple of different strands to the story. Firstly, we have Scott Carey and his strange affliction. When he steps onto the scales every day, it shows him that he’s rapidly losing weight. But, he doesn’t look any different. He looks 240 pounds and he continues to do so, but the scales tell a very different story. Scott’s ailment prompts him to become more aware of the world around him, and he starts to notice just how horrible some his neighbours are.

There is a lesbian couple — Deirdre and Missy — who are new to town and they have opened up a new vegetarian Mexican restaurant, Holy Frijole. But no one is dining there and it’s mostly because Deirdre and Missy are openly married and a lot of the residents in Castle Rock are homophobic.

Scott makes attempts to connect with Deirdre and Missy and change the townsfolk’s attitude towards them and their restaurant. Scott wants to fix the prejudices against them.

“Mike’s smile went away. ‘Nothing to be proud of. She’s a lesbian. That would probably be okay if she kept it to herself — no one cares what goes on behind closed doors — but she has to introduce that one who cooks at Frijole as her wife. Lot of people around here see that as a big old screw you.”

Stephen King is a master storyteller, and in only 132 pages he’s captured so many amazing characters and a heartfelt story. I thought this novella was brilliant. There were a few things unanswered but I still felt that the book was complete. I was left wanting more.

I was intrigued by Scott’s story arc and how he grew over the course of the book. At first, he seemed like the kind of man who kept to himself and didn’t want to cause drama. But then, when he overhears some of his friends talking disrespectfully about Deirdre and Missy, he stands up to them and addresses how inappropriate their behaviour is.

“In the centre of the sheet was a photo of Deirdre McComb. There were other runners, most of them behind her. A big number 19 was pinned to the waistband of her tiny blue shorts. Above them was a tee-shirt with NEW YORK CITY MARATHON 2011 on the front. On her face was an expression Scott would not have associated with her: blissful happiness.”

The story is propelled forward by Scott’s weight decrease. Over time, he’s getting lighter and lighter and he doesn’t know what’s going to happen to him when he gets down to zero. This kind of supernatural, fantastical element to the story is Stephen King’s trademark — the unexplainable.

This novella is quite different to Stephen King’s usual writing, and so I think it has a really broad appeal. It’s also perfect for people who don’t have the time to commit to Stephen’s usual novels that are hundreds and hundreds of pages.

This is a tender and charming tale that I highly recommend to all ages.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Elevation
Stephen King
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It’s the highest honour they could hope for…and the most demeaning. This year, there’s a ninth. And instead of paper, she’s made of fire.

Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by the royal guards, and her fate remains unknown. Now, the guards are back and this time it’s Lei they’re after – the girl with the golden eyes, whose rumoured beauty has piqued the king’s interest.

Over weeks of training in the opulent but oppressive palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king’s consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable – she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens her world’s entire way of life. Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide how far she’s willing to go for justice and revenge.

Girls of Paper and Fire is a YA novel by Natasha Ngan, set in a fictional fantasy world where nine girls are chosen to serve the King — they are to be his concubines.

Before the story has even begun, there are trigger warnings — Please be aware that this book contains scenes of violence and sexual assault — and an author’s note where Natasha addresses the reasons behind the story and the importance of telling stories like this. I think readers who have experienced violent pasts will appreciate these notices, and it will help them decide whether or not this is a book they would like to read.

“A high voice cuts through the quiet. It’s the girl we heard outside, Blue. She’s tall, even standing next to Madam Himura, with narrow shoulders and glossy azure-black hair, straight and smooth. Her features match the sharpness in her voice, angled cheekbones like two blades and narrow eyes shadowed with paint glinting out from beneath blunt bangs.”

Girls of Paper and Fire is a trilogy with an Asian-inspired setting, and Natasha leaves many questions unanswered to entice readers to continue with the series. Yes, there are some triggering scenes but it’s written delicately and is not too graphic. The characters discuss their feelings about what happens, and they have the opportunity to think and talk with each other about how they’re handling their situation.

17-year-old Lei is brave and outspoken, unwilling to accept her circumstances because others deem it to be an ‘honour’. She fights for what she wants, and she doesn’t want to be the King’s concubine. She wants to return to her family and she also wants to find out what happened to her mother years earlier when she was kidnapped.

Girls of Paper and Fire explores friendship and love, and the girls in the book are all very supportive and grow together over the course of the novel. Yes, there are fights and betrayals and not all of the girls are close friends, but they’re all going through this very scary situation and they come together in support of each other.

Lei falls in love with the secretive Wren, and this same-sex relationship is explored with sensitivity and authenticity. It’s heartwarming, reading about these two girls finding love and happiness when they’re surrounded by terror and threats.

“Silence, and rainfall, and Wren watching me with uneasy eyes. It’s the first time I’ve seen her undone like this, so unsure. The collar of her nightdress has fallen low, exposing the swell of her breasts, and from under it her bare legs are long and glossy in the moonlight. I think of her and the wolf, what intimate moment I might have interrupted. My gut twists.”

The writing and pacing is tight and very dialogue heavy, but the chapters flow and the prose is swift. Tension builds throughout the novel right up until its dramatic climax. We’re left wanting to know more. At times, the supporting characters were more interesting than Lei, but she’s still an engaging protagonist.

I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next instalment. This book isn’t going to be appropriate for every reader, so all I’d advise is to read the author’s note in the beginning so that you’re aware of what’s to come.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Girls of Paper and Fire
Natasha Ngan
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

Wunder is gathering in Nevermoor …

Morrigan Crow may have defeated her deadly curse, passed the dangerous trials and joined the mystical Wundrous Society, but her journey into Nevermoor and all its secrets has only just begun. And she is fast learning that not all magic is used for good.

Return to the magical world of Nevermoor! Morrigan Crow’s perilous adventures continue in the most anticipated sequel of the year, a treat for all fans of magic and Wunder.

Morrigan Crow has escaped her deadly fate and found a new home in the fantastical city of Nevermoor. She has also discovered that she has a strange and magical ability. But will her unique talent be a blessing or another curse?

Now that Morrigan and her best friend Hawthorne are proud scholars in the elite Wundrous Society, she is sure that she’s found a place to belong at last, but life is far from perfect. Can Morrigan prove that she deserves to be in the Society – or will an unexpected new enemy ruin her new life?

Wundersmith by Jessica Townsend is the second instalment in the Nevermoor series, following Morrigan Crow as she joins fellow scholars in Unit 919 of Wundrous Society.

The trials are over and Morrigan and her fellow students have made it through to the prestigious magical society. Each of the students possess a certain talent — called a ‘knack’ — that aids them in their adventures. Knacks are quite unique and not your stereotypical power.

Once again, Jessica enchants readers with this wonderful, magical world. Fun, magical powers reveal themselves and the introduction of Tricksy Lanes is an entertaining addition to the world.

There’s plenty of mystery in this book as people start to go missing. Jupiter spends most of the book travelling in and out of Nevermoor, desperate to find out who is responsible for the kidnappings and how to retrieve the missing people.

Meanwhile, Unit 919 are being sent threatening letters and they’re forced to undergo risky challenges, otherwise Morrigan’s secret will be outed to the entire society and the entire Unit 919 cohort will be kicked out of the society.

“It looked just as if somebody had taken an old Wunderground train carriage, gutted it, and turned it into a long cosy sitting room. Big lumpy cushions and squashy armchairs, an assortment of coffee tables and lamps and an old, worn-out sofa were configured neatly around the space.”

Morrigan’s year isn’t as exciting as she thought it’d be. Her main task is to learn about how horrible past Wundersmiths have been, whilst also trying to control and compress her own Wundersmith abilities. Morrigan feels let down and confused, and out of frustration and anger she unintentionally learns what Wunder can really achieve. It’s a dangerous and powerful ability.

As with Nevermoor, Wundersmith is filled with humour, both situational and in the dialogue. Children will enjoy the banter and the hilarity present in this sequel.

“Nobody knew anything about another disappearance. Not Kedgeree or Fenestra or Dame Chandra — Morrigan had spent all of Sunday pestering them in turn. Not Miss Cheery, who’d seemed genuinely surprised (and a little worried) in Hometrain on Monday to heart the Stealth had been to Morrigan’s home.”

The pacing quickened a little too much in the final 100 pages, meaning the conclusion felt a little forced and rushed. I am also a little sceptical about the direction of this series and where this is all headed. I don’t find Ezra Squall — Morrigan’s enemy — to be an overly threatening villain, not like Voldemort was in the Harry Potter series. Truthfully, I don’t know if Ezra alone can carry the series.

Despite this, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next instalment.

Thank you to the publisher for mailing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow
Jessica Townsend
November 2018
Hachette Book Publishers

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