Review: Briar Rose - Jana Oliver

Briar Rose by Jana Oliver, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 12th September 2013

Goodreads synopsis:
For Briar Rose, life is anything but a fairy tale. She's stuck in a small town in deepest Georgia with parents who won't let her out of their sight, a bunch of small-minded, gossiping neighbours and an evil ex who's spreading nasty rumours about what she may or may not have done in the back of his car. She's tired of it all, so when, on her sixteenth birthday, her parents tell her that she is cursed and will go to sleep for a hundred years when the clock strikes midnight, she's actually kind of glad to leave it all behind. She says her goodbyes, lies down, and closes her eyes . . . And then she wakes up. Cold, alone and in the middle of the darkest, most twisted fairy tale she could ever have dreamed of. Now Briar must fight her way out of the story that has been created for her, but she can't do it alone. She never believed in handsome princes, but now she's met one her only chance is to put her life in his hands, or there will be no happy ever after and no waking up.

Review:
'Briar Rose' is a southern retelling of the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty. It's about a young girl who on her sixteenth birthday is doomed by a curse which threatens to rob her of everything she holds dear unless she can find a way to break it.   

I thought I was going to love this book.  I'm a massive fan of Jana Oliver's previous series The Demon Trapper's Daughter and I couldn't wait to read this as soon as I first heard about it.  The plot sounded brilliant, I love fairy tale retellings and I fell in awe of the book cover but I'm disappointed to say that the actual story I really struggled with.  I normally finish books quite quickly but this one took me over a week to read, a sign that I just wasn't hooked by the actual telling of the tale. 

It's quite an unconventional retelling and actually bared very little resemblance to the traditional version of Sleeping Beauty. The blurb of the book therefore seemed to be slightly misleading.  I wouldn't necessarily have minded this if the story had been amazing but for the most part I often found it strange and confusing, particularly when Briar enters the dream world.  Nothing here is familiar and everything seems foreign and dangerous.

I thought that the romance in the story would perhaps have redeemed things for me but unfortunately I wasn't won over either by the bond between Briar and her childhood friend Joshua.  As individual characters they were okay but together I didn't feel the spark between them.  I actually preferred the scenes between Briar's best friend Reena who tries to help her and a local boy called Pat who also finds himself pulled into the dream world. 

I'm sad to say that this book just wasn't for me although I kept on hoping until the very end that something would happen to turn it around for me.  Regardless of this, I'm still a huge fan of Oliver's work and I will certainly be reading more by her in the future.       


 

My favourite reads of 2012

2012 has been a fantastic year for young-adult books with some incredible titles storming onto bookshelves around the world.  I've put together my top ten list of favourite books I've read (although not necessarily published) this year.  These are in no particular order because I loved them all equally!

1. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

 

Stephanie Perkins is one of my favourite YA writers.  Her writing style is fresh and original and I've adored both of her books so far.  I simply can't wait for 'Isla and the Happily Ever After' which will finally be published in 2013.  I loved the characters in 'Lola and the Boy Next Door' and I fell hook, line and sinker for the adorable Cricket Bell.

 

2. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

 

This is the second book in the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand which is a contender for one of my all-time favourite series of YA books.  The story was gripping and engrossing and I loved reading about Clara and the two boys in her life, Tucker and Christian.  I'm on tenterhooks waiting to find out which boy she'll eventually choose (I'm secretly hoping for Tucker!).  

 

 

 

3. Everneath by Brodi Ashton

 

One of the best debuts of 2012.  This was a five star read which blew me away.

 

 

 

4. Legend by Marie Lu

 

An incredible debut by Marie Lu loosely based on the plot of Les Miserables.  In my review I described it as a book which 'delivers the goods in spades'.  Dystopian fiction is one of my favourite genres and 'Legend' is one of the most thrilling stories I've ever come across.      

 

 

 

5. The Demon Trappers: Foretold by Jana Oliver

 

I had high hopes for the last book in The Demon Trappers series and Jana Oliver did not disappoint.  A truly fitting end to what has been an incredible ride. 

 

 

 

6. We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

 

Yet another marvellous end to a series.  Readers finally got to find out if Belly would choose Conrad or Jeremiah, a question everyone has been pondering over since the series started.  I adored this book which gave me everything I wanted and more! 

 

 

 

7. Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

 

I'm a huge Robin Hood fan so I thought this retelling from the point of view of Scarlet was fantastic.  I'm looking forward immensely to more from this extremely talented author.

 

 

 

8. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

 

There have been so many incredible debut novels in 2012 and this is another of the best.  Ten years in the making, 'Throne of Glass' is an epic fantasy adventure with wonderful characters and a fast paced and innovative plot. 

 

 

 

9. A Witch in Love by Ruth Warburton

 

Second books in a series can sometimes be a let down but not 'A Witch in Love'.  I described it as 'combining excitement, sadness, sorrow and hope' and it's one which left me begging for more.  The final book entitled 'A Witch Alone' is due out in 2013.

 

 

 

10. Revived by Cat Patrick

 

I count Cat Patrick among my favourite authors and her debut novel 'Forgotten' was one of my top reads of last year.  She's done it again with 'Revived' which yet again ticks all my boxes.  Gripping, engrossing and exciting, I absolutely loved it.

 

Review: The Demon Trappers: Foretold - Jana Oliver

The Demon Trappers: Foretold by Jana Oliver, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 2nd August 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Riley’s always known that Beck had a chequered history, but she’s not prepared for what it actually means to be in love with a guy with this many dark secrets. Now that he’s finally admitted to himself that he’s in love with her too, there’s no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off a demon apocalypse is nothing compared to what’s to come...

Review:
Wow!  I sat for five hours straight reading this stunning final instalment in The Demon Trapper's series by Jana Oliver.  It was utterly brilliant!  There was simply no way I could put it down until I reached the end.  Jana Oliver must be praised for delivering an ending which will thrill all fans of these fantastic books.  This is a series which has just kept getting better and better.

The story focuses predominantly on the relationship between Riley and Beck.  At long last we get to look into Beck's past and discover why he's been holding himself back from Riley for so long.  Journeying to the town where he grew up, I enjoyed enormously the insight into why Beck has become the man he is.  It explained a lot about his character and personality and if possible endeared me to him even more than before.  I love Beck and everything about him!  I like the fact that the book provides a proper conclusion to them as a couple and there were some scenes that I loved so much they made my heart thump wildly!

I was really pleased with the fact that Oliver dealt with all the plot strands that have been building since the beginning and nothing was left dangling and unfinished.  The concluding part of the story features the showdown between heaven and hell which is explosive and action-packed.  This series has definitely gone out on a high, although I of course would still love to read more of these truly amazing books. 

After five hours I turned the final page with a huge smile on my face at the most perfect ending imaginable.  I could have easily stayed there for another five hours and read the book all over again.  If you're already a fan of this series then I guarantee you will adore 'Foretold' and if you haven't yet discovered these books then you shouldn't wait any longer before you get your hands on them.

Review: Forgiven (The Demon Trapper's Daughter #3) by Jana Oliver

Forgiven by Jana Oliver, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 1st March 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
Riley has made a bargain with Heaven, and now they've come to collect. 

Lucifer's finest are ruling the streets and it seems that Armageddon might be even closer than Riley imagined. But with her soul and her heart in play it's all she can do to keep herself alive, let alone save the world. Riley's not afraid of kicking some major demon butt, but when it comes to a battle between Heaven and Hell, she might need a little help...

Review:
There may be spoilers from previous books in the series.

I'm a massive fan of Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series and each book just seems to keep getting better and better.  'Forgiven' is the third instalment and picking it up was like getting reacquainted with old friends.  I instantly felt immersed back into Riley's world and plunged straight into the action.

Riley has been tasked with trying to prevent Armageddon which frankly seems an impossible task, except for the fact that this is Riley we're talking about and she always appears to be capable of doing pretty much anything she sets her mind to.  Caught between heaven and hell she's stuck right in the middle of two powerful forces and often finds herself in situations where the line between good and evil, right and wrong, is blurred.  What I love about her character is that she will never back down from a fight, she's never afraid of making the difficult choice and I love seeing all the facets of her personality developing as the series progresses.

Riley definitely gets dealt a tough hand this time around.  She has to deal with the repercussions of sleeping with Ori, whilst also fighting multiple demons, helping her father and making amends with Beck.

I have to admit though that one of the main attractions of the books is the will they/won't they relationship between Riley and Denver Beck.  He's one hot demon trapper and sparks fly when they're in each others company.  I love everything about Beck.  I love his gruff, tough exterior and yet the way he turns to mush inside when it comes to Riley.  I adore the way he's so protective about her and willing to put his life on the line to defend her against all costs.  The build-up of the romantic side of their relationship has been a slow burn but when that kiss eventually comes it's definitely been worth the long wait.

I absolutely adored this book which is a perfect combination of action, adventure, kick-ass fights, romance and the ultimate battle between good and evil.  I salute you Jana Oliver because although you broke my heart at the end, you've created a world unlike any other which I can't wait to see more of.  'Forgiven' quite literally rocks!

Review: Forbidden - Jana Oliver

Forbidden (The Demon Trappers #2) by Jana Oliver, published by Macmillan Children's Books on 5th August 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
Riley's beginning to think being a demon trapper isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her dad's been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend's gone all weird and she's getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who's seriously bad news. It's tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that's not an option. Because the demons have plans for Riley. And they're not the only ones.

Review:
The Demon Trapper's daughter is back to stop the end of the world and kick some demon butt!

This is the sequel to last year's stellar debut 'Forsaken'.  It picks up straight after the events of the previous book with main character Riley dealing with the aftermath of a terrible attack which left her boyfriend Simon fighting for his life.  Riley's now trying to find out who reanimated her Dad, dealing with boyfriend problems and uncovering a major conspiracy, at the same time as trying to stop the end of the world from occurring.  It's all in a day's work for demon trapper Riley Blackthorne! 

Set in the future, 2018, one of my favourite things about this series is the incredible world which Jana Oliver has created.  Demons are an everyday occurrence and a constant danger, while demon trappers and hunters roam around trying to rid them from places they're not wanted.  I love the way the demons are graded and find all the different types and their unique characteristics really interesting. 

The fantastic characters are also one of the elements which really drew me into the series and as the story progresses they get even more complex and fascinating.  The love/hate relationship between Riley and Beck is awesome.  Beck is extremely private and quite a closed-book.  He doesn't let people in but he's now beginning to see Riley as much more than just his mentor's daughter and someone to protect.  He has very real feelings for her now but they never seem to get their timing right.  I'm desperate for them to end up together!  They're perfect for each other.  I liked finding out more about Beck throughout the book and learning about some of the parts of his personality that up until now he's kept hidden. 

Riley is an incredible protagonist.  She's smart and sassy and brave.  She never backs down from a fight and she always follows her gut even when those around her may try to get her to do otherwise.  She's gradually learning more about the world around her and some questions are answered in 'Forbidden' but a whole heap more questions are raised to keep the reader continually guessing. 

I also enjoyed discovering more about the mysterious Ori who I thought was a little lacking in the first book.  Now he's back on the scene, a major secret about him is revealed which is seriously jaw-dropping. 

'Forbidden' was gripping and enthralling.  I enjoyed it even more than the opening installment to the series as I feel like Jana Oliver's cranked the story up to an even higher gear.  I found this one really difficult to put down with a multi-layered plot which had so many twists and turns that I read it almost in one sitting.  I can't wait to see what happens to Riley and co next.