Repost of Starling Review + Giveaway!

Tuesday, July 17, 2012



Title: Starling
Series: Starling #1
Author: Lesley Livingston
Genre: YA, Mythology, Suspense
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Published By: HarperCollins Canada, Harper Teen
Source: ARC received for review
Rating: 4/5








Goodreads Synopsis:
"Love is just the beginning... of the end."

Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf.

As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny?

Readers who fell in love with Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange trilogy and those who love Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series will be captivated by the sweeping romance and pulse-pounding action of Starling.



My Thoughts:
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.


NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY! 
I am giving away 1 ARC of Lesley Livingston's new YA Novel Starling! Open to US/CAD Only please! Thanks and Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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21 comments

  1. I read her Wondrous Strange trilogy too and loved it! Can't wait for this one to come out. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. Ah you're so lucky to have met her, and I love the fact that Lesley is canadian too :) I'm so excited for this one! Sure I haven't read her Wonderous Strange books yet, but this one sounds so good because I love mythology too :P Thanks for the giveaway!

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  3. I can't wait to read this!!!

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  4. I must say following your blog has open me to many books I would otherwise miss... I am learning not to only rely on top book lists for excellent reads such as this book

    Thanks for the blog!!!!

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  5. Thanks Melissa that's very sweet. I'm so glad you are being introduced to new books through my blog! That's why I started it :)

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  6. Thanks for the great giveaway! Can't wait for another book from Lesley!

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  7. thank you so much for the giveaway! I love Lesley and am so excited for this book!

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  8. Thanks for the giveaway! I'm really excited for this book.

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  9. I cannot wait for this book! Thank you for the awesome chance! *cross fingers*

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  10. Glad to see that you enjoyed the book, I have been really looking forward to this one. :)

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!

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  11. I really enjoyed the Wondrous strange trilogy, and am looking forward to reading Starling

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  12. WOW! Thank you! You are sooo lucky to meet three amazing authors! :)

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  13. I would love to read this after reading your review. Really hope I win!

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  14. Amazing giveaway! Love your blog!

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  15. This book sounds so fascinating. Thanks for giving this away. :)

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  16. I have been DYING to read this book! *fingers crossed*

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  17. I just want to read it because I love Lesley. She's so funny in real life!

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  18. Oh my Lordd.... I can't wait to read this book;; Mythology AND Fennrys???? :D :D <3 LOVE.

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  19. I really love Lesley Livingston! Canadian authors usually aren't widely known. It's awesome to see so many people excited about her books!

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  20. I love Lesley's books ^_^ I actually started reading them because we needed to use a Canadian author for one of my classes and I was on a big fairy kick. Thanks so much for the giveaway, can't wait to get my hands on this one!

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  21. Can't wait to read Starling! Thanks for the giveaway!

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