Starling

Monday, May 28, 2012

I remember when I first met Lesley, at the time I was working at Chapters and she arrived with Aprilynne Pike and Kim Harrison in tow. All three of these authors were touring and promoting their upcoming books. What struck me most about their visit was how outgoing Lesley was, even in comparison to Kim Harrison, who has many a book published in comparison. Lesley was sociable and quirky in a way that made you want to read her books.

I have read Lesley’s Wondrous Strange trilogy, which is very good, but I have to say that Starling, her fourth YA novel, is her best yet. Lesley delves deep into the genre of Myth and its many forms, making it impossible for the reader to determine where she will go next. Not only does she take reference from Norse Mythology but also Greek and some Egyptian Mythology as well. It is this combination that gives greater dimension to her story.

In Starling, we follow a young girl named Mason Starling, a champion fencer whose future rests on making it onto the National Team. When a freak storm strikes one night during practice Mason’s whole world changes forever. A mysterious boy seemingly appears out of nowhere and Mason can’t seem to get him out of her head. She soon finds out that this boy, Fennery’s Wolf, cannot remember a thing about himself; only his name. Mason, feeling a strong connection between them, takes it upon herself to help Fennery’s Wolf figure out his past. But what Mason doesn’t realize is that his past could break apart every fabric of reality she has ever known.

I am a sucker for Greek myth—actually myth in general and Lesley has created a world so realistic that it makes you wonder if it is at all possible. Her personality is visible through every world and it makes for a wonderfully sarcastic and witty piece of writing. I believe that Lesley has found her niche in this book; she has so much knowledge of Myth and takes such inspiration from these stories that it is possible that she could create a series even better than Wondrous Strange. Please read this book, you will not be disappointed.

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1 comments

  1. Great review! I have also read her Wondrous Strange trilogy and cannot wait to get my hands on this one!

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