The Skylighter - Becky Wallace

This was definitely one of my most anticipated books for 2016 and I am very happy with it. I actually hadn't realized this was a duology. And, honestly, I wish we had more duo's in series and less tirlogy's in young adult. 

 

Johanna now know's where her destiny lies, but the problem is, the rest of the world does to and everyone is after her and Rafi. Meanwhile Dom is left in his kingdom with his mother trying to figure out who the spy really is and defeat his enemies once and for all. And Piro has been kidnapped and is being tortured. They all must fight to survive, but will they all make it?

 

I really like Johanna and Rafi together. And Skylighter confirmed that. But I think I was almost more invested in Piro's story this time around. Man, she goes through some tough s***. My heart was pounding for her. 

 

The action is intense, and well written. Teens and adults will love the fantasy aspects throughout. And overall, I liked the ending even if it was a bit underwhelming (maybe just because I was hopeful for more). Definitely recommending this one to teens and looking forward to more written by Becky Wallace. 

I reread this for the release of the sequel, Sklighter, and I'm really glad I did. I gave it five stars the first time around. While I still enjoyed it this time and found it a quick read I was not quite as entertained in the beginning. Took me about halfway to get invested. 

 

Johanna is a storyspinner, as is her father before her. But when he's killed before her eyes everything changes. Her and her brothers are on the run as she quickly learns someone is out to kill her thinking she's someone much more important then she may realize. And Rafi and Dom, two brothers are there to save her and protect her at any cost. 

 

I thought there were too many characters reading it a second time. I cared more about Rafi and Johanna then I did the keepers and the bad guys. 

 

I have already started Skylighter and it is INTENSE. Lot's of action so far. 

So, this is an interesting book, in the sense that I went into it expecting it to be highly predictable and I finished it dying to get my hands on the sequel. The book starts with the murder of Johanna’s father, an acrobat and a member of the Perfomers’ Camp, a guild of sorts for those who are part of the carnival-type community of the country of Santarem. This is in addition to the murders of girls that look eerily similar to Johanna. The book goes on to introduce us to many different points of view, from the Keepers who hope to find Johanna and restore a balance of power to Santarem, to a young lordling Rafael.

 

Read the rest of my review and more at BibliobibuliYA.com

The Storyspinner (The Keepers' Chronicle... When I open up a fantasy novel I read for a bunch of reasons: to escape, to discover and learn, to get lost, and to fall in love. I find when I'm done that my experience has fulfilled one or two of the reasons of my list, sometimes none, but when a book has me go through everything, I call that one a "keeper." Let me tell you, The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace is definitely a keeper!

Let me explain further. The Storyspinner features an amazing colorful cast of interesting characters, the story lines are filled with excitement, wonder, mysteries and more, the worldbuilding treats us to a strange, intriguing new world, and there's a budding love story. I never wanted to stop reading. Take a break? Get a drink? No way! When I realized there were multiple points-of-view (narrated by Johanna, Rafael, Jacaré, Leão, Tex and Pira), I'll admit I grew hesitant. There was no need to worry. Wallace's characters kept the story flowing, sharing their views, while the pacing held steady. Fight scenes were intense, sections filled with wonder held tension, while lighter scenes provided a welcomed break.

Johanna is the ideal heroine for YA fantasy. A young girl growing up, part of a "Performing" family, forced to face unknown situations and dangers, she's dedicated to her family, tough, smart and compassionate. She watches over her younger brothers and their mom. It took a while to warm up to Lord Rafael "Rafi" DeSilva due to his arrogance and attitude, but later on he won me over during a certain dance with his sweet charm. What intrigued me most about this book were the two storylines--Johanna and Rafi and a group of magic users called The Keepers--which intersect together farther in. This group has been searching for someone who they think is Johanna but will she believe them? There's a lot to enjoy.

Fantasy lover? Let The Storyspinner weave its magic around you. It worked for me. I can't wait for book two of The Keepers' Chronicles.

The Storyspinner (The Keepers' Chronicle... The Story Spinner is a very good YA fantasy. There was just the right amount of everything; action, mystery, lightheartedness, magic, strong women, strong gallant men, villains, tragedy, and romance. And no annoying love triangle. The fact that there are two different romances happening in this book and it still does not over-shadow the story was quite an accomplishment for a YA novel.

This was an easy read that went by quickly, partly because the chapters are so short. The chapters switch to different characters points of view, so we get to read multiple characters perspectives. I loved the multiple points of view. I think fantasy is best written that way.

This ends rather abruptly and there is a lot left unresolved so obviously there will be another book. I'm looking forward to reading it.