Seeing Redd

Seeing Redd
written by Frank Beddor



From the beginning, I felt that I was going to like this book. It was finished in one sitting. Beddor dives right in with the new story instead of recapping everything that had happened in the first book. Along the way, as different characters step up to the spotlight, a bit of their backstory is given, all given on a need-to-know basis. There is so much more time dedicated to develping the characters and the world they live in. Hatter is given an extremely powerful story, and Alyss and Dodge's romance moves along as well. So much happens, new characters, new situations, old characters returning and leaving. Arch Enemy is going to be one amazing book to look forward to! One thing really worth mentioning, I'd read the hardcover version of The Looking Glass Wars. Apparently, I'd missed out. The paperback versions of both books have these incredible images in them, and for once, the paperback is a much better buy than the hardcover, just for that. The only thing I slightly disliked about Seeing Redd was the over-description of battles. I like reading about them, but I'd much rather prefer something along the lines of "They fought. ____ won." although I'm sure it keeps some readers reading. Beddor ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm sure fans of the series are already anticipating the final book in the trilogy, where apparently, everything, including the main protagonist, changes. I can't wait!

Rating: 5/5

Magic or Madness

Magic or Madness
written by Justine Larbalestier



This book, like many others I've recently read, was difficult to get into, but once the reader familiarizes themselves with the tone, reads wonderfully. There is heavy description in places, and that got extremely distracting, but the story itself is a good one. There is suspense, although one could easily argue that there is far too much suspense, leaving the reader to want answers more than the main character herself! The sometimes-alternating POV is confusing and probably not entirely necessary, as the story moves along great when Reason is the one telling it. Some things still make very little sense, and I'm hoping they are explained in the later books. I feel like Reason's mom should have gotten more time on the page, and again, there's something I hope is remedied in Magic Lessons. The end leaves the reader still not entirely sure who to trust and desperately hoping to see what happens next. There is heavy foreshadowing, and I really do hope, as suggested, that Reason does have more options than just the very bleak ones she is currently being offered. Looking forward to Magic Lessons and hopefully more intriguing revelations!

Rating: 4/5