When it comes to YA, I'm partial to contemporary. I read other things, and often enjoy them, but I still find myself most excited about a new book by my favorite contemporary authors - John Green, Sara Zarr, Sarah Ockler, Lindsey Leavitt, to name a few.
But Laini Taylor's latest, a YA fantasy, I had been excited about reading for at least a good year. First of all, I know the girl has a magical way with words, as is evidenced by her DREAMDARK books as well as LIPS TOUCH. Second of all, there were so many cool things that piqued my interest as I read about the various parties held to celebrate the book, both here and in the UK. Wish bones? Teeth? Blue hair? Marionettes? I could go on and on! Finally, the early reviews raved about it. I mean, RAVED.
And so, a few weeks ago, I finally got to read it. I really have no words for how much I loved this book. The writing is gorgeous, and the story original and fascinating. The worlds she created blew me away. And the mysteries she weaved into the story kept me guessing, and when things were revealed toward the end, it all made perfect sense and yet, I hadn't seen any of it coming.
It's made PW's and Amazon's Best Books of 2011 lists and I'm sure we'll see it on many more lists to come. And rightly so.
I'm not one who gets into trilogies, most of the time. I read the first book, a year goes by, I can't remember much of what happened in the first book to care enough to read the second book. I can't tell you how many books I've read that were the first in a trilogy and then I never read beyond that first book. The exception to this would be THE HUNGER GAMES.
But this trilogy, I'm in it for the long haul. I cannot wait for the second book. Like, I'm DYING to read the next one.
I think Laini Taylor is one of the greatest writers of our time. Yes, I'm lucky to call Laini a friend, but just go and read all of the 5-star reviews on Amazon, and you'll see that many, MANY people feel the way I do. She is one very talented lady!
Don't miss this book. Seriously.
This is one I've been wanting to read for some time, too! Your review makes me want to go get it now. :)
ReplyDeleteJust finished it and I'm with you, it's a great book. A very refreshingly different read.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy most books I read, but there are very few that inspire me to be a better writer (I always WANT to be a better writer, and strive to do so every day) But its rare that I finish a book and think...that was so well written, i want to strive to be like that.
Not that I want to, or could ever, write exactly like Laini Taylor. But if I could master some of her amazing ability I would be very proud of my work.
A seriously great book.
Like you, I'm looking forward to reading this based on her previous work. I'm moving up the queue line at the hold list at my library!
ReplyDeleteRead it and was blown away. The writing was gorgeous and her storyline was genius. I'll admit that many times I suffered from total writer envy.
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