Today's Read: Soundless by Richelle Mead

What if everyone in your village was deaf? Imagine that it has been that way for generations, and your people communicate only through sign language. Now suppose that the villagers are also losing their sight. How will they survive? But what if you woke up one day and your senses were assaulted by something you did not immediately understand? That's what happened to Fei the day she began to hear.

My sister is in trouble, and I have only minutes to help her.

She doesn't see it. She's having difficulty seeing lots of things lately, and that's the problem.

—Soundless by Richelle Mead (Penguin Random House / Razorbill, 2015, p. 1)

Quick Facts

• Setting: in the past, China
• Circumstances: Fei and her younger sister, Zhang-Jing, are orphaned, working as artists for their village. Their village is on the top of a mountain, isolated from the rest of the district because decades of avalanches have made descent virtually impossible. The village survives through mining, sending the ore down a zipline in return for food. The amount of food they receive depends on the productivity of the miners. The people are poor and close to starving, and now many of the congenitally deaf are also going blind. When Fei's hearing returns, she tells no one but her childhood friend, Li Wei, a young man who works in the mines. Together they decide to risk climbing down the mountain to ask for help from the city below.
• Characters: Fei, about 19, an artist; Zhang-Jing, her younger sister; Li Wei, her older childhood friend and love interest; various townsfolk and people from the city
• Genre and audience: folklore retelling, young adult, adventure, some fantasy elements
• Themes: sisters, class differences, politics, love, justice
• What I think so far: This short novel got off to a slow start, and I almost put it aside. But I was too lazy to load another audiobook on my phone, so I kept listening. Once the adventure began, I became curious about what Fei and Zhang-Jing would find in the city. The story is mildly entertaining, and I'm hoping for a good ending.
• Some more thoughts: I haven't read Mead's Vampire Diary series, but I liked her Age of X series, which meant I had high hopes for this standalone novel. I like folklore / fairy tale retellings, which is another plus. Unfortunately, despite the names of the characters and some references to silk and porcelain, I haven't gotten much of a sense of China or of the tale on which the story is based.
• Audiobook: The unabridged audiobook (Listening Library; 8 hr, 18 min) is read by Kim Mai Guest, who does an okay job. Her pronunciations of the Chinese words sound authentic to me, but I have no real way of judging. Although I am not bowled over by her performance, Guest is expressive and has a good sense of pacing.
• Recommendation: I haven't finished the book yet, but I can't recommend this one wholeheartedly. Soundless would have benefited from deeper world building and more complex characters. It also might have helped if I knew the Chinese tale that inspired the book.

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Review: The Sylo Chronicles by D. J. MacHale

When my niece was reading middle grade books, she introduced me to D. J. MacHale's Pendragon series, which follows the adventures of fourteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon as he and his friends fight the evil Saint Dane in this world and other dimensions in an effort to save humankind from total destruction. My niece loved the books and couldn't wait to talk about them.

Now that she's in college (yikes!), I have to discover middle grade books all on my own. Recently I read the first two books in MacHale's newest trilogy, Sylo and Storm, and am happy to report that he hasn't lost his touch with writing compelling action-adventure stories. Here are my thoughts in a bullet review.

• What's the trilogy about? Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce lives on an island off the coast of Maine. Tucker, who was born off-island, feels at home in the small community and, unlike his friends, is not counting the days until he can leave. But when mysterious deaths, military personnel, and strange lights in the sky disrupt the status quo, Tucker is forced to take stock of himself, his family, and his country, especially when the island is cut off from the rest of the world. Mustering up courage and relying on teamwork, Tucker and four friends attempt a daring escape to the mainland. What they find there will change them forever.
• Genre, audience, similarities to other books. Did you like the Tomorrow series by John Marsden? You can think of the Sylo Chronicles as being in the same vein but geared to a slightly younger audience. Tucker is not Ellie, but he and his friends keep a cool head and manage to find a way to stay alive, even as others die and they find themselves separated (for various reasons) from their parents. The trilogy is not dystopian; it's alternate history. The kids learn that the U.S. government has high-tech weapons and vehicles and some scary drugs, but the books are not sci-fi. Instead, Sylo and Storm offer an action-packed look at a different kind of America.

• There's a lot to like. Besides the general adventure and the inventive technology in the books, it was MacHale's characters that drew me in. The teens have distinct personalities with unique upbringings and family situations. They don't always like each other, don't always make the right decisions, and are not invincible. It's a dangerous world out there, and people (teens and adults) can get hurt and can die. I love that there are several factions and groups, and it's not at all clear which one is made up of the good guys. Maybe there aren't any good guys. It's hard to tell, and that is one of the major problems Tucker and his friends must solve.
• Things to know.  Sylo and Storm both earned starred reviews from Kirkus and were recommended by EW, Publisher's Weekly, and the School Library Journal. Although Tucker is at the center of the books (and tells the story), there are tough, smart girls in the group, and the adventure should appeal to both boys and girls. The audience is clearly middle grade readers, but the themes and situations are sophisticated and muli-layered.
• General recommendation. In the Sylo Chronicles, D. J. MacHale has created an exciting, sometimes-scary, heart-pumping story with complex, believable characters; surprising twists; and plenty of puzzles. Like Tucker Pierce and his friends, you'll find it difficult to decide whom to trust, and you'll second-guess yourself with each new bit of knowledge. I can't wait to see how Tucker's story is going to end.
• The audiobooks. I listened to the unabridged audiobook editions of Sylo (10 hr, 42 min) and Storm (12 hr, 12 min), both published by Penguin Audio and read by Andrew Bates. Bates does a great job amping up the tension and conveying the teens' full range of emotions. His reading has a touch of earnestness to it that took a little getting used to, but soon I found it difficult to stop listening and went right from book one directly to book two, something I don't often do. But seriously, I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.

In the following short video, author D. J. MacHale talks about the Sylo Chronicles and what they're about. Don't worry, there are no spoilers!

Published by Penguin Group USA / Razorbill, 2013 & 2014
ISBN-13:9781595146656 & 9781595146670
Source: Bought & review (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

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Review: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Fantasy: a complex genre that few are neutral about. Most people I know either hate it or love it. I'm in the love camp, but I'm not a fan of all types of fantasy. I loved the Narnia books when I read them in fourth grade (though I didn't think they held up when I reread them with my niece), and I enjoyed the Harry Potter books, but I'm not a rabid fangirl.

On the other hand, I've read the Lord of the Rings books multiple times since about 1966 and adore the Game of Throne series (*impatiently awaiting the next installment*). I consider these books more grownup fantasies. They have few child heroes, no lack of violence, and complex histories and world building.

So when I was told that Morgan Rhodes's Falling Kingdoms was a good fit for George R. R. Martin and J. R. R. Tolkien fans, I decided to give the series a go.

• General idea: Three kingdoms are vying for power: two are rich and one is poor. The fate of the world and the kingdoms rides on four young people whose lives intersect in unexpected ways: Cleo, a compassionate princess who will likely be forced to marry a boy whose arrogance may have set off a war. Jonas, a wine merchant's son, who has become a rebel leader set on revenge. Lucia, who has always wondered why she was different from her royal parents and brother; when she discovers the reason, her world crashes around her. Magnus, the son of a king who seems destined to always disappoint.
• The good in general: Action, politics, court intrigue, betrayal, revenge, love, and magic. The characters, though somewhat stereotypical, grow and change from their experiences.
• Thoughts plus the not so good: For some reason I didn't become invested in the world of Falling Kingdoms and its problems. I liked Jonas, felt sorry for Lucia and Magnus (who grew up together), and admired Lucia's growth, but I didn't connect enough to care about them. Although Rhodes spent a lot of time setting up the state of the world and the characters' backgrounds, I didn't have clear images of the people and the setting.
• Recommendation: My general impression is that the series will appeal to readers who like a lighter fantasy that straddles the line between young adult and adult and who are not bothered by a semi-predictable plot.
• Audiobook: My reaction to Falling Kingdoms could very well be the result of the audiobook (Penguin Audio; 11 hr, 35 min), read by Fred Berman. His style is not very fluid and is interrupted by the occasional breath sound. His characterizations were consistent and he brought an acceptable level of emotion to his performance, but I was put off by his disjointed style.
• Recommendation: Despite my disappointment with book one, I plan to read the second book in the series, Rebel Spring, but this time in print. I want to give Rhodes another try. The series is quite popular, and if you're interested in a fantasy with teen heroes, some powerful magic, and a host of characters, don't hesitate to pick it up . . . in print.
• Paperback: The paperback edition from Razorbill comes out this month!

Published by Penguin USA / Razorbill (paperback), 2014 (March 11)
ISBN-13: 9781595145857
Source: Bought (audio) (see review policy)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

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Review: Virals Series by Kathy Reichs

You may recognize Kathy Reichs as the author of the Temperance Brennan books, the basis for the TV series Bones. What you may not know is that Reichs is also the author of a middle reader series starring Victoria (Tory) Brennan, niece of the famous forensic anthropologist.

Tory Brennen lives with her father, Kit, on a small island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. Her friends are the neighbor boys who share her interests in science and nature. Because all their parents work at a research institute on a neighboring island, the teens are often left on their own to spend the summer exploring and watching the local wildlife.

When Tory discovers an old dog tag on the institute's island, the group decides to learn about the soldier who used to wear it. Their research points to an unsolved missing person case, and the teens suddenly find themselves entangled in a local scandal and coverup. When snooping around the research institute for information, the group finds a caged wolf-dog pup in an abandoned laboratory. They free the animal, hide him, and nurse him back to health.

Sometimes curiosity can get you into trouble. In this case, Tory and her friends have contracted a strange virus from the puppy. They're afraid to tell their parents because they don't want to confess to having taken the wolf-dog. Thanks to the parovirus infection, the teens now have wolf genes, which give them wolf powers.

The Virals, as they call themselves, are not werewolves, but they sometimes have increased strength and speed, heightened senses, and the ability to communicate via pack mentality. These powers stand them in good stead when they are being chased by bad guys and ultimately solve the case of the dog tag and missing person.

The second book, Seizure, picks up several months after the first, and takes place during the school year. This time the adventure starts when the kids learn that the research institute may be closing for lack of funding. They're especially distressed because their pack will be broken up when their parents find new jobs, most likely in other cities or states.

When Tory notices a painting of a woman pirate at a local social club, she is introduced to the story of real-life pirate Anne Bonney and her missing treasure. Tory convinces her fellow Virals that if they find the treasure, they'll be able to save the institute and their parents' jobs, meaning they won't have to move away from each other.

Seizure takes Tory and friends on a wild Indian Jones-like adventure through Charleston and to several coastal islands. Using their wits and their wolf powers, will the teens be able to solve a centuries-old mystery, shake off the competition, and stay alive before time runs out?

Reichs's middle reader series is full of adventures, great characters, and complex mysteries. Mix in some sci-fi elements and few less-than-attentive parents, and young readers will be engrossed in the stories, wishing they too had some super wolf powers.

I listened to the unabridged audio editions (Penguin Audiobooks; Virals 9 hr, 43 min; Seizure 10 hr, 52 min) read by Actress Cristin Milioti. Milioti is a great match for Tory Brennen, and her narration added to my enjoyment of the books. Sparse, but well-used, sound effects enhance the production. Recommended for family listening. My full audio review of Seizure was written for AudioFile magazine.

For more about the series, visit Kathy Reichs's website or Facebook page or follow her on Twitter, This review will be linked to Kid Konnection, hosted each Saturday by Julie from Booking Mama. Imprint note: The Virals series is published by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin USA, which also published other popular young adult titles such as Thirteen Reasons Why, Vampire Academy, and Zorgamazoo.

Virals at an Indie

Virals at Powell's

Virals at Book Depository

Seizure at an Indie

Seizure at Powell's

Seizure at Book Depository
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Published by Penguin USA / Razorbill, 2010 (Virals) and 2011 (Seizure)
ISBN-13: 9781595144263 (Virals) and 9781595143945 (Seizure)
'Source: Bought (Virals) and review (Seizure) (see review policy)
Rating: B (Virals), B+ (Seizure)
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

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Review: Zorgamazoo by Robert Paul Weston

Katrina Katrell is an adventuresome girl who lives with Mrs. "Krabby" Krabone. When her creative and active intelligence becomes too much for her guardian, Katrina decides to run away.

Mortimer "Morty" Yorgle lives underground in Zorgamazoo and wants nothing more than to write his sports columns and visit his dad who is ill. But one day Morty gets picked to enter the lottery, and his prize is the dubious honor of getting a chance to search far and wide for the lost Zorgles of Zorgamazoo.

When Katrina and Morty meet up one day just when they each are in dire need of help, they combine their talents and take off for the adventure of a lifetime.

Robert Paul Weston's Zorgamazoo is a scary, funny, gross, and exciting tale told in rhyming couplets. The heroes are an improbable team of a young girl and a rumply middle-aged Zorgle journalist who will capture your imagination and take your whole family on a mission to solve a Zorgamazoo mystery. Boys and girls, young and old will find themselves captivated by the spunky girl and her mild-mannered friend. The pair travels to strange lands where they meet all kinds of creatures, and they aren't quite sure if they will ever manage to make it back home.

To give you a flavor of the text, here's a bit from the publisher's summary:

Are You a Believer in Fanciful Things? In Pirates and Dragons and Creatures and Kings?

Then sit yourself down in a comfortable seat, with maybe some cocoa and something to eat, and I’ll spin you the tale of Katrina Katrell, a girl full of courage (and daring, as well!), who down in the subway, under the ground, saw something fantastical roaming around . . .

What was it she saw? I’d rather not say. (Who’s ever heard of a Zorgle, anyway?)

But if you are curious, clever and brave, if intrepid adventure is something you crave, then open this book and I’ll leave it to you to uncover the secret of ZORGAMAZOO!

I was lucky enough to have listened to the audio edition (Penguin Audio) read by the fabulous Alan Cumming. This is a charming audio production that is brilliantly narrated by Cumming and can be enjoyed by all ages. Reading rhyming couplets is not an easy task, and Cumming is just the right kind of dramatic and never falls into singsong. My full audio review will be published by AudioFile magazine in the coming weeks.

One warning: Krabby is a bit mean and some children may be frightened; the target age for the book is age nine and older. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to share this story with any child over about six, but only you know your child. Even though the story is about a girl, there is plenty of boy humor.

Don't miss out on the Zorgamazoo website for samples and drawings and more about the book and Robert Weston's blog for more about the author. Zorgamazoo won The Silver Birch Award and an E.B. White Read Aloud Honor award.

Zorgamazoo at an Indie

Zorgamazoo at Powell's

Zorgamazoo at Book Depository
For the audio edition click on the links in the sidebar
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Published by Penguin Group / Razorbill, 2010
ISBN-13: 9781595142955
YTD: 101
Source: Review (see review policy)
Rating: A
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy)

This review will also be linked at Julie's blog Booking Mama: "Every Saturday, [she hosts] a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books."

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