Wolfcry, by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Genre: Fiction/Fantasy/YA
198 pages (hardcover)

This is the fourth book in the Keisha'ra series; the others (Hawksong, Snakecharm, and Falcondance) were all better, in my opinion. Sadly, Wyvernhail doesn't look much good either, but I'll read it anyway for the sake of finishing. This particular book focuses on Oliza, the wyvern daughter of Danica (Tuuli Thea, ruler of the avian) and Zane (Diente, ruler of the serpiente). Her parents' marriage has ended a centuries-long war between their two peoples, allowing Wyvern Court to form--but not to truly flourish. The reserved avian and the fun-loving, casual serpiente are absolute opposites; their cultures are irreconciliable. Oliza, gifted with a partially dormant magic for seeing the future, is horrified by the futures ahead and takes steps to change everything.

I wanted to like this. Really, I did. I adore the Keisha'ra world, and I loved Hawksong to pieces. But Oliza's voice is unnaturally stiff--all of Atwater-Rhodes's books are written in first person--and her relationship with Betia, which is a major subplot, felt underdeveloped and too summarized. Betia's milestones--her first word, her first sentence--aren't earned and while Oliza expresses her feelings, they don't feel real to the reader (or at least not to me). Velyo is a flat, static antagonist who is defeated rather easily, and Oliza's ultimate sacrifice definitely seems too easy.

But some things I do like: worldbuilding, mainly. I love how minor characters are brought back and other groups in the society reoccur. For instance, in Snakecharm the white viper Adelina plays a huge role; here, Oliza lives for a while with the white viper guild and mention is made to the only two vipers who ever joined serpiente society. In general, I liked the minor characters more than the major characters. I never really connected with Oliza, so I didn't feel what she felt and all the important revelations had no meaning. I guess what I'd like to see from Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, an author I admire immensely (for more reasons than one), is exploring the avian and serpiente cultures more closely--like pair bonds, which are arranged marriages that seem to work out well enough.

And for shallow observations, the cover sucks compared to the previous three.

Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony, by Eoin Colfer

Genre: Fiction/Fantasy/YA
385 pages (paperback)

I love BOGO book fairs! for just ten dollars total, I managed to buy four brand new paperbacks. Now I finally own all of Chris D'Lacey's fire dragon trilogy (in lowercase because I don't think that's the actual name)--I bought his second book, Icefire, a year ago but it was ruined by tea-boiled egg joice on the plane ride to China. Originally I was just going to get the two volumes I hadn't yet read, but I hated having a gap in the series. And then it was buy one get one free, so I picked up the latest Artemis Fowl as well instead of waiting for the library. Then I was really tempted to put off reading Vellum with easier, lighter stuff, so I read through The Lost Colony in a few hours.

Artemis Fowl is one of those books (or series, in this case) that you get the feeling you shouldn't like because it's terribly cliche, but you like it anyway. Sort of like my relationship with Stephenie Meyer's Twilight and New Moon, except I don't think Artemis is quite as bad as Bella. (Yes, I know no self-respecting literary person likes Twilight. See aforementioned complicated relationship.)

So anyway, now that I've rambled about other books, back to this one. Artemis is now fourteen and puberty is starting to kick in. Further character development occurs, especially with Butler. Juliet, als, is absent except in passing mention. Colfer's characterization is amazing--I can sympathize with every major character, even Ark Sool. This installment also introduces Minerva, a twelve-year-old child genius. It's an obvious romance setup, but it works.

The plot was also very interesting, and setting particularly vivid (especially when Artemis and co. are climbing out of the volcano). The climax has a tricky twist; I haven't decided yet if I like it, as it's a little bit cheating. Surprising humor is sprinkled liberally throughout the book, along with a few poignant scenes. Definitely a nice contrast to Vellum.

The only negative point I can think of, really, is the ruling out of any Artemis/Holly in canon. Their relationship is clearly platonic, though if not for Minerva perhaps it might blossom into something more. This is the subject of an ongoing debate with my friend, actually. I support Artemis/Minerva--I love girl geniuses--but she's adamant about A/H. Never mind the age/race/maturity gap...