I just finished reading THE GATHERING STORM (Delacorte Jan. 2012) by Robin Bridges and I have some serious YA Historical Paranormal Fantasy Vampire book love going on. Wow, that was a mouthful!
This absorbing tale takes place in St. Petersberg, Russia, 1888, and Bridges' does a great job of making you feel as though you are actually there. You will be awed by Bridges' depiction of imperial Russia. While reading it, I felt like I was actually at the lavish parties and wearing the elaborate clothing of the day.
Desperate to understand her strange abilities, the main character, teenage Katerina, discovers she is necromancer, someone who can raise the dead. She's also of regal birth, a duchess, so she's got to keep the many royal boys who'd like to marry her at bay, at the same time masking her strange powers. The great thing about Katerina is there is more to her than just wanting to kick some evil backside, she also loves medicine, and Bridges' does a great job describing medical practices way back when, as Katerina helps doctors patch up soldiers.
I think for YA writers this is a great book to read. These days if you want to get a YA Paranormal published, it better be special, and THE GATHERING STORM is all that and then some. I usually pass on vampire-ish books, just because I've read enough of them already, but because of this book's great plot, historical aspects, and a believable female MC, I was not disappointed! This is a trilogy, so keep your eye out for the next book!
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This sounds great, right up my alley! I love historical and fantasy Ya! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCandie
You'll love it, Candie!
DeleteHistorical and paranormal? Cool! I love genre blending. Great review, Hilary!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was the perfect mix for me! :)
DeleteOoh...definitely sounds awesome! I love the historical/fantasy combo too and can't think of a book I've read that was set in Russia. Will definitely have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteThe Russia aspect, was really cool, and really believable! :)
DeleteI love books that are a mash-up of different genres and I love books set in interesting and exotic places. Sounds like THE GATHERING STORM is both of those, and I'm definitely intrigued. Thanks for the fantastic review, Hilary!
ReplyDeleteNo problem, Katy! I LOVE sharing great books! WE MUST SPREAD THE LOVE!
DeleteHi, Hilary. I've nominated you for an award. You can stop by my blog to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteSusanne Drazic
http://susannedrazic.blogspot.com
Hey Hillary! It's been a long time, but I'm finally back from my hiatus. Just popped by to say hello and hope to see more writing from you on heRe. I'll be blogging regularly again, so drop by sometime and say hello!
ReplyDeleteHey VW! so glad to have you back! Sometimes we all need a nice, long break! :)
DeleteThat's a really cool cover (and I'm not trying to be punny). Thanks for the review! :)
ReplyDeleteOoh lucky you for getting to read this. I agree, it does sound unique. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteVampers in historical Leningrad? Yes, please.
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