In the dark of dreams, by Marjorie M Liu

Synopsis


She was only twelve when she saw the silver boy on the beach, but Jenny has never stopped dreaming about him. Now she is grown, a marine biologist charting her own course in the family business—a corporation that covertly crosses the boundaries of science into realms of the unknown…and the incredible.

And now he has found her again, her silver boy grown into a man: Perrin, powerful and masculine, and so much more than human—leaving Jenny weak with desire and aching for his touch.

But with their reunion comes mortal danger—from malevolent forces who would alter the world to suit their own dark ends. For Perrin and Jenny—and all living creatures— their only hope for preventing the unthinkable lies in a mysterious empire far beneath the sea—and in the power of their dreams.


This is my second ever Marjorie M Liu book and I have to give Ms. Liu credit where it is due: the girl can write.

The opening sequence of a very young Jenny finding a physically hurt young boy on the beach. As she tries to tend to his wounds she can't help but think that there is something very different about him. She can't help but be drawn to him but before they could really spend any time together, the boy is dragged off by a very angry man who appears from the sea itself.

We skip ahead several years. Jenny is now a grown young woman, doing her best to stay away from her family. Using her career as a marine biologist, Jenny travels the world and tries to make sense of that mysterious experience she had so many years ago.

Through various machinations (all of them pretty bad, actually) Jenny and Perrin, the young boy from all that time ago, meet up, only to go on the run together to find out the truth about themselves and the dire situation they find themselves in.

I genuinely enjoyed In the dark of dreams as the mystery of both Jenny and Perrin's past drew me along as well as the enigma of the events taking place in the present. There were some instances where I thought Jenny's reactions to Perrin were pretty extreme and where she delayed too long to react to some set-pieces, especially when it comes to the martial combat pieces, but honestly, these were all down to personal dislikes, rather than anything to do with Ms. Liu's writing.

I find Ms. Liu's writing style genuinely engaging. I love how both books that I've now read of hers manage to be both intimate, with engaging characters, whilst also addressing a bigger theme. I thought that In the dark of dreams there was definitely an eco-message about humanity and our impact on the natural world, here especially the sea, but the message is never crammed down our throats. It is part of the overall story whilst the two characters of Jenny and Perrin are the main focus, as is their cautiously growing relationship. Jenny's character especially has an amazing character arc and I have to say, she really lives up to being the heroine for In the dark of dreams.

This is also the first e-arc / book I've read on my new Kindle for review purposes (fron NetGalley). And it was ace - a great experience on all counts.

Find the author, Marjorie M Liu's website here. In the dark of dreams is out later at the end of this month, from Avon in the States.

MFB Best of 2009 - Liz's Choices

It's been an incredible year, stuffed full of reading goodness and it's been utter hell deciding what to choose for my Best of 09.

But it's been done and I'm listing them in no particular order. Twelve books were chosen, one from each month of my reviews.

• 13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison: I had the chance to read this before a lot of other people and I fell in love with Michelle's writing. I remember nagging S&S for an interview with this debut author whom I have subsequently met. As we speak, her second novel: 13 Curses is lying next to me to finish. She also won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
• Stormcaller by Tom Lloyd: I love this book so much. I've not read much epic fantasy this year which I'm very sad about but I can say - hand on heart - that Stormcaller blew me away with its plotting, character development and world-building. Tom Lloyd is an unsung genius and I'd urge you to pick up a copy and fall in love with his writing.
• Thicker than Water by Mike Carey: Wow. As a big fan of Mike Carey and his Felix Castor novels I expected big things from him in Thicker than Water but holy smokes, I did not expect this. Mike took us to places dark and awful and he left us gasping on the precipice as we realised what Fix has to do in the follow-up novels. This was when I realised for reals what a master Mike is when it comes to plotting. And driving his readers nuts.
• If I Stay by Gayle Forman: I think I went through about 2 boxes of Cleanex reading this elegantly written novel about a girl who has the decision before her as she lies broken and torn in a coma: does she stay here with her friends and her grandparents or does she go, move on, to be with her parents and brother in the afterlife? Beautifully written, with style and grace, I felt flattened and uplifted at the same time reading this one. I'd recommend it heartily.
• The Tiger Warrior by David Gibbins: I am a big fan of Mr. G - he writes cracking adventure thrillers and I've been honoured to be included in some email correspondence with him. I've read all his other books, even before I started blogging - yes, I know, back in the dark ages - but this one represents a turning point in his writing and my reading, I think. The novel is a lot more personal, focussing heavily on relationships, friendships and familial responsibility. Not a lot of action thrillers can pull off good character development but The Tiger Warrior did that in spades. If you've not read this genre before, you can do worse than start here.
• Black & White by Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge: These two very talented authors got to do something most of us only dream about: write a superhero novel AND pull it off successfully. This copy refers to the copy published over in the States but wait! the UK copy will soon be published here so you get to support them directly. Well written, with interesting main characters, you get drawn into the two MC's quest for the truth and realise that there never is just black or white.
• The Fire King by Marjorie M Liu: ha! Tiny book that blew my socks off. Who knew I could fall so heavily for an author through her writing? Intense and sexy does not begin to describe The Fire King. Set in farflung places the author takes us on a journey so unthinkable it leaves you reeling. I loved it. In fact, it's probably going to turn into one of those books you pick up to read and re-read because it's just so damn good.
• Girl from Mars by Julie Cohen: this was my first ever Little Black Dress book and I have to say, I had reservations! I am not really a girly girl book reader but this pocket-sized book with the cute alien on the front swept me off my feet, showing me that I should for once and all shove my preconceptions in my pocket and just get reading already! Wonderfully quirky, set in the world of graphic novels and other creative types, GFM taught me about friendships and how no matter what, you should always stay true to your dreams. Definitely a big favourite!
• Troubadour by Mary Hoffman: Ms. Hoffman has this remarkable talent as a writer. She writes beautifully, with strong imagery and subtlety. I loved Troubadour so much I gave my hardback copy away to share with the world. Dealing with the Cathars in medieval times, their persecution and the atrocities committed against them, other French citizens and Jews, this slender novel packs a huge punch and had me sniffling into a hanky several times, because of its poignancy.
• Spook's Apprentice by Joseph Delaney: who said that a) children's books can't be scary and b) written in a very mature way? Mr. Delaney blew my socks off with Spook's Apprentice. What struck me most - and this I told his publicity person - is how adult the book seemed to me. There was no molly coddling the main character - the horror of his new position as the Spook's Apprentice was this slow dawning realisation which was handled very well. I loved it so much I got all the other books too and I'm looking forward to working my way through them.
• Hattori Hachi by Jane Prowse: here is the female role model all girls need. Hachi kicks butt and takes no prisoners. I loved her development as a character and the practically insurmountable odds that she overcomes to save the day - but there is always a price. This is Karate Kid for a new generation but so much cooler than Daniel-san could ever have hoped to be.
• The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh - I feel a bit sneaky adding this one in as it's not been released yet but hey, this is my list, okay? Fantastically atmospheric and creepy, The Crowfield Curse asks the question: what would you do if you knew where an angel was buried? Mixing religion, fairies and superstition, this novel has to be read in winter time. In fact, it just has to be read as it is that bloody good!

These are my twelve topmost favourite books of 2009 as reviewed on MFB - I've not looked at reviews I've done elsewhere but as an aside, I'd like to mention another title I thoroughly enjoyed called Age of Ra by James Lovegrove - a grand book, military sci fi for people (like me) who don't usually do military sci-fi.

I think I have been quite lucky this year in that the majority of books I've read have been good / I've been able to see where the author was going and "get" what they were doing. There were some books I let slide after a while because they didn't hold my interest but these are still on my shelves. I'll give these another go to see if I can get into them, if not, off they go to charity shops!

Something I've thought about before but what I've confirmed and discovered in 2009 is that I'm very much a seasonal reader. Darker books for the darker months and lighter books for spring and summer. Is that odd? Do other people do this too?

What does 2010 hold for MFB?

I have no idea. No, I'm kidding. Of course I've got an inkling. I'd like to run more competitions, hopefully more international comps too. I want to concentrate on various genres this year, specifically fantasy as I feel I'm far behind with what's come out this year and looking at catalogues for 2010 we are due a bumper crop of some really good new titles. I'm also going to challenge myself to read sci-fi. I know, I know - please don't laugh at me openly - but I'm going to try. I also want to tackle more non-fiction, some straight contemporary (and maybe literary) fiction. Of course I'll still be championing kids books - all ages, all genres. I love them and can in all honesty say I can probably set up an entire blog dedicated to kids books on their own. Another big thing for me in 2010 will be: graphic novels. I think both Mark and I are keen to get stuck into more of them. We have quite a few but I suspect there is always space for more. There will be interviews and guest blogs too. Oh and "author of the month" events too, watch this space!

I'm not sure about other bloggers/reviewers but 2010 has already started for me. I've already started reading and reviewing books for the new year and it's an odd thing because it completely screws up your perception of Time. I feel a bit Dr. Who but hopefully with better hair. And yes, as for anyone who has actually been to my house, can testify: we do live in the Tardis. Mark should get a job working for the Jenga factory as NO ONE I've met can pack and stack books like he can.

In Jan/Feb Mark and I will be heading off to South Africa for a bit of a holiday. I'll be meeting up with Dave Brendon from Galaxy Reads to talk books and I'm looking forward to meeting my online buddy. It's going to be grand. And yes, there will be incriminating pictures.

To everyone reading this, to my old mates on here, thank you so much for your continued support. You guys have been amazing. To my new friends I've made this year via the blog and Twitter, I'm so pleased that I've had the chance to do so. Stick around for more stuff from us in 2010.

And if there is one wish I can make (get your hankies out!) for 2010 it is for everyone who reads this blog to put a hand in their pocket and to buy at least one book a month from an independent bookseller - if it's online or on your high street. These guys really need our help. Help them thrive so that they don't lose their income and we have somewhere else to hang out and talk books with people who love books as much as we do.

Farewell to 2009 and hello 2010, you beautiful thing!

**The Fire King Winners**

Exciting news, exciting news.

Our three winners are, thanks to Random.org

Number: 17 - Amy (@Aymless on Twitter) from Benicia California
Number: 8 - Vicki (@jadeheart) from California
Number: 29 - Crystal Boyles from Kentucky

Girls - very well done, and thank you everyone for your lovely emails and do come back for more!

Now, make sure to go out and buy a copy of The Fire King - srsly™, it is worth it.

And to Dorchester Publishers - thank you so much letting us run this fabulous comp.

The Fire King by Marjorie M Liu

Synopsis

Long ago, shape-shifters were plentiful, soaring through the sky as crows, racing across African veldts as cheetahs, raging furious as dragons atop the Himalayas. Like gods, they reigned supreme. But even gods have laws, and those laws, when broken, destroy.

Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. Three words in three very different languages, and yet Soria understands. Like all members of Dirk & Steele, she has a gift, and hers is communication. When she is chosen to learn the dead language of a shape-shifter resurrected after thousands of years of icy sleep, she discovers a warrior consumed with fury.

Strong as a lion, quick as a serpent—Karr is his name, and in his day he was king. But he is a son of strife, a creature of tragedy. As fire consumed all he loved, so death was to be his atonement. Now, against his will, he has awoken. Zoufalství. Epätoivo. Asa. In English, the word is despair. But Soria knows the words for love.

Short Review:

Buy the book, read it, love it.

Long(er) Review:

I can't remember the last time two characters gripped me quite this much. Karr and Soria's relationship is obviously very much the focus of the novel. You become involved with them individually as well as a couple as they run for their lives from a variety of factions bent on destroying Karr or capturing him for examination and then destroying him. I couldn't shake the feeling like I was being allowed to spy on something very special indeed. (But not in a creepy way!!)

Karr's character is well defined and as the author deals out snippets of information about Karr there is a sense that he is even more than what is being hinted at. Soria's characteri is fully formed - severely hurt just over a year ago, she is still fragile and you understand where she comes from, what her motivations are and as her relationship with Karr develops as they flee, you start liking her more and more. Clever, competent and level-headed in the face of adversity and someone with bucketload of courage, Soria is definitely someone you want on your side in a fight.

This is my first Marjorie M Liu book and although I know little to nothing about the Dirk and Steele Organisation this did not prevent me from falling into The Fire King with unashamed abandon. It is book nine in the series! I should have been struggling to keep up with all the back story, but this is where the book turns into something excellent. As far as I understand it, each book deals with another agent within the Dirk and Steele Organisation which is a covert organisation with members of the magical and shapeshifting kind mingled with humans - some of whom are normal and some of whom have bit of magic.

Having just checked on Ms. Liu's website it transpires that these novels are catergorised as "paranormal romance thrillers" and it is probably one of the most apt descriptions I've read for something like this that almost defies any of the genres I usually read. Marjorie M Liu breaks the mould when it comes to a) style and quality of her writing b) plotting, storyline and story arc c) characterisation and d) world building, throwing in some fantastically mysterious modern day location few of us would have the chance to visit.

I irrevocably loved The Fire King and would recommend it to those who may not be too excited about touching a book about shapeshifters, secret organisations etc. Read The Fire King and change your mind. For those who are already fans of this excellent genre which is revived by Ms. Liu's writing, buy the book! The quality of the writing is what lifts it from its fellows in the same genre along with the author's ability to create two characters whom you actually care about. The romance is perfectly pitched and it never becomes lewd or gross - Karr and Soria would never allow that to happen, not whilst we're watching anyway! But the tension and heat is there and yes, Karr does sound simply scrummy. He gentles Soria beautifully and his reaction to his fierce new friend made me smile quite a few times.

I won't gush anymore as it will become a bit tedious but I'm happy to say that The Fire King has to be one of my top-top adult reads of 2009. I am now keen to read the other books by Ms. Liu. Even if they are out of sequence!

The Fire King is published by Dorchester Publishers over in the States. Find Marjorie M Liu's website here. The Fire King should be available online both in the US and the UK and for those who are interested in purchasing it in the UK, why not run off and support our favourite indy booksellers, Murder One. If they don't have it in stock, they can happily order it for you directly.