#TNReads: Real Quick Reviews for Lazy Readers featuring Mara Rutherford

I love a sea-based YA Fantasy. And Crown of Coral and Pearl may contain my favorite sea setting yet. The world of Varenia and it’s antithesis Ilara were so well developed and full of interesting nuance. I had a couple of problems with this book, but in general, I was incredibly engaged through my entire read. Nor was wonderfully smart and her bond with Zadie was so well-formed, the politics of this world were actually interesting, and I loved the journey Nor took us on.

Seventeen-year-old Nor (whose name means ‘coral’) lives in the ocean village of Varenia with her twin sister Zadie (‘pearl’). They are truly of the sea – they swim, boat, and live in a house on stilts within the open sea. Due to an ancient rule made by the nearby land kingdom of Ilara, no Varenian is allowed to go to shore for fear of death.

With one exception: whoever is chosen to be the next queen of Ilara, the very people who keep them in the sea. Once every generation, the most beautiful girl in the village will travel to Ilara to wed the prince. Nor has always wished it could be her, but she knows it will be her twin, Zadie, in the end. A childhood accident left her with a scar on her cheek, while Zadie has stayed perfect under their Mother’s iron rule. And when Zadie is picked, everything is as it should be. Except, not really.

Only, Zadie doesn’t want to go and she’s willing to go to desperate lengths to make sure she doesn’t. Instead, Nor is sent, armed with a pot of cream designed to hide her scar and keep her true identity secret. But it turns out that Ilara is not the savior from her dull sea life that Nor thought it would be. She’s swept up in the politics to try to protect her village from exploitation and extinction.

This was certainly a unique book. Grim and gory YA Fantasy, it’s a loose retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairy tale. Although when our story begins, there are only eight princesses (and not really even princesses, Duke’s daughters) remaining; four have already perished. Living on a wild but beautiful island, the girls have been in almost perpetual mourning for six years. When presented with a magical opportunity to dance away the night and momentarily forget their sorrows, the girls take it. But there are whispers of a curse, and madness, and murder. Nothing is really what it seems, and can anyone really be trusted?

This book was dark, y’all. Definitely be prepared for death, and gore, and a plot that twists and turns so much that you’ll think you’re going mad. There are hints of a love triangle, but the romance plays second fiddle to solving the mystery of the dying sisters. It’s got an awesome spooky atmosphere, with great world-building and just a hint of a love triangle.

What is it about a mother-in-law that strikes fear in the hearts of so many young women?

Two women who love the same man, one as her son and one as her husband, should have a lot of shared dreams and joys. Or perhaps not. Annie and Ben have lived a lovely simple life together in their cottage by the sea. Annie loves her son Ben and takes such pleasure in caring for him. But when the mysterious Daisy comes into the picture, will there be room in Annie’s heart for a daughter-in-law? Nina Manning’s psychological thriller slowly reveals long-kept secrets and nefarious intentions. The twisting plot that takes advantage of the stereotypes of mama’s boy and helicopter parent, is a dark and entertaining journey. It may even make you appreciate your wacky in-laws a little bit more.

Evangeline returns to her hometown after serving time for a crime she didn’t commit. Welcomed by some and resented by others, Evangeline’s family has a lot of emotions to work through. An unexpected inheritance and an ongoing criminal investigation make adjusting to life on the outside far more complicated than Evangeline expected. Both the future of her family’s business and the ability to clear her name once and for all, fall heavily on her shoulders.

With old enemies and new allies can Evangeline truly move past her history and start a new life? New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ryan, combines family drama with romance and suspense in a story about starting over. Set in the world of ranches and wineries, The Me I Used to Be demonstrates the danger of secrets and the power of forgiveness.