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Mon, September 17, 2012

Flock by Wendy Delsol Review

Flock
By Wendy Delsol
Publication date: Sept. 25, 2012
Candlewick, 384 pages
Source: Publisher

Having barely survived an eleventh grade of adventures rivaling any mythological tale, human Stork Katla Leblanc is hoping for an ordinary senior year. But when two Icelandic exchange students turn up at Norse Falls High, an uneventful school year seems out of the question.

Although tricked into the initial deal, Katla is constrained by a celestial bargain that puts everyone—including her boyfriend, Jack, and best friend, Penny—at risk. She’ll have to use her wits, her wit, her soul-delivering powers, and a few out-of-this-world colleagues to fend off a disaster of epic proportions.

— Goodreads.com description

Sigh. I’m so sad to be saying goodbye to Wendy Delsol’s world, to Katla and Jack. I’ve adored this series from Stork to Frost, and Flock was no exception.

This series taps into the mythology trend we’ve been seeing in YA novels lately, but Delsol’s Norse twist on things consistently makes her stories feel new, fresh and exciting.

Delsol’s writing is interesting, too – I consistently find myself pausing to take in her unique phrasing… in a good way. Nothing about these books feels like it’s been “done” before.

My only regret: There wasn’t enough Jack! More Jack, Wendy, more Jack! Ha…sorry. I’m so predictable in my requests. For an adventurous story with a classic feel, check out this series.

Thu, December 1, 2011

Frost by Wendy Delsol Review

Frost
By Wendy Delsol
Oct. 11, 2011
Candlewick
Source: Publisher

In this sequel to STORK, Katla Leblanc has to employ her grit, spirit, and special gifts to rescue the boy she loves.

After the drama of finding out that she’s a Stork, a member of an ancient and mystical order of women, and that her boyfriend, Jack, is a descendent of the Winter People able to control the weather, Katla Leblanc is delighted when all signs point to a busy and peaceful Christmas. That is, until the snowstorm Jack summons as a gift to Katla turns into the storm of the century, attracting Brigid, a gorgeous scientist who, in turn, attracts Jack. Between the school play, a bedridden, pregnant mother’s to-do lists, and keeping an eye on her aging grandfather, Katla doesn’t have time to question Brigid’s motives or deal with Jack’s increasingly cold behavior.

But Katla’s suspicions mount when Jack joins Brigid on a research expedition to Greenland, and when the two of them go missing, it becomes clear that Katla is the only one who can save her beloved Jack from the Snow Queen who holds him prisoner. Adventure, romance, and myth combine in this winter escapade for teens who like a bit of fire with their ice.

— Amazon.com description

Sequels always do this to me! You’re feeling pretty good at the end of book one, then book two is just a MIND FREAK, and then you’re just left emotionally torn apart and begging for book three.

The mind freak here? Jack, Jack, Jack. Bad. Bad, Jack. Oh, lordy, he pissed me off in this book. But I loved every second of it. I tend to put characters I love up on pedestals, and it’s sort of brilliant when the author then knocks them down and tears them apart. And, boy, did Jack get torn apart in Frost.

But, don’t worry guys, it’s not really a spoiler, as the book description says as much, and I have a feeling it’ll all work out in the end.

If you haven’t checked out the first book in this series, you’re definitely missing out. Based on Scandanavian fairy tales, this series is a fresh take on the paranormal. Wendy Delsol is particularly masterful at conveying settings … just reading this book gave me the shivers, as though the coldness of her wintery settings was seeping through the page. Brilliant!

Thu, July 7, 2011

Stork by Wendy Delsol Review

Stork
By Wendy Delsol
October 12, 2010
Candlewick, 357 pages

Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.

— Amazon.com description

Fans of fables and fairytales and all things supernatural will eat this book up.

The wintery setting of a small, cold Scandanavian-rooted town in Minnesota is beautifully described, and the mysteries plaguing Katla are masterfully untangled.

I was lost in her story and transported through Delsol’s wonderful descriptions of all things Minnesota – the small downtown, the high school, the woods. I could visualize it all, which is something I’d imagine takes a LOT of work on the author’s part to accomplish.

I won’t say more because there are definitely spoilers to be revealed, but this was an enchanting, lovely debut novel. You’ll be begging for more — luckily, the sequel, Frost, comes out in October.

Wed, September 29, 2010

“Waiting On” Wednesday

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Stork
By Wendy Delsol
Candlewick, released October 12, 2010 (soon!!!)

Oh baby! A hip heroine discovers that she has the ability to decide who gets pregnant in this witty YA blend of romance and the supernatural.

Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.

— Amazon.com description

First time novelist? Gorgeous farm boy? Freaky dreams and an ancient order of women? Nice! This book sounds like it’s right up my alley, and I am a huge sucker for books based on fairy tales and old mythology (See: Princess of the Midnight Ball, etc.). Can’t wait for it!