Longbourn

- Jo Baker

"Mr. B. would lend you a book, but he didn't want to hear what you thought about it. He'd say thank you for any service you performed, but he wouldn't even catch your eye. How could she have so much to say to him, and why--and this was the truly baffling thing--was he just letting her go on saying it?" - Taken from the book.

First things first, let's jump right into the review. Admittedly, I had my doubts about this one, not because it's Pride and Prejudice fanfiction, but because it was a required reading for a class that I don't particularly care for. However, upon actually reading the book, I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, be warned that this book does have a slow start and at some points in the novel I did find my mind wandering to more exciting thoughts, however, that doesn't necessarily make it a bad book.

Longbourn is fanfiction, but it isn't told from the perspective of a suspected source, instead, it's a story told from the shadows (more or less), it's a story, told from the view of a young maid by the name of Sarah. Sarah works for the Bennets along with Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Polly (formally known as Mary), and the newest addition to their makeshift family, James.
The readers follow Sarah throughout her days while she acts out her household duties and attempts her best to remained a background character whilst still furthering her own story.
So, was this book boring at parts? Most definitely, anyone in their right mind would find monotonous chores to be boring. But the real question is, is this book worth reading? And the answer to that is a simple one, absolutely. If you enjoyed P&P, there's no reason why you wouldn't enjoy Longbourn just as much (or even more).

Anyways, don't let my words sway you too much. Read the book yourself, form your own opinions and remember to keep warm & read.

[Please remember that from now until mid-April reviews will be posted twice a month instead of once a week.]

The Replacement

- Brenna Yovanoff

"Mackie is not one of us... He is a Replacement... Now, he's dying... drawn into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the slag heaps and find his rightful place..." - Taken from the back of the book.

I first read this book a few years ago when I was still in high school, I enjoyed it so much that I made one of my friends read it as soon as I was finished (and was heartbroken when it was returned in less than stellar condition).

Have I re-read this book since high school? Sadly, I have not, though I have every intention to once my exams are over. However, I have read enough of it over the past few weeks amongst my other readings to refresh my memory, and I am sad to have to put it down for more "important" readings.

This book provides the readers with a fresh outlook on the world of fae and brings to mind Holy Black's more popular story, Tithe with hints of The Labyrinth, asking the age-old question of, "nature vs nurture?"

My one complaint about the story itself is that I picked it up expecting to be scared or at the very least anxious throughout the course of Mackie's journey as promised by back-of-book-reviews (I really should've known better), and was sadly disappointed by that, however, once I began reading I forgot my expectations, and simply sat back and enjoyed the ride.

If you're interested in the book I ask that you give it a read and tell me your thoughts/opinions on the peace, and if you're interested in other books by Yovanoff I recommend, The Space Between about the world between earth and hell and a young girl's attempt to go against all that she knows in order to save an innocent, and while you're at it, make some tea, grab a blanket and keep warm & read.