We Are the Goldens

                                                 
Reinhardt, D. (2014). We are the Goldens. NY: Random House Children's Books.
Young Adult / realistic fiction

I gave this book 3 of 5 stars.





Great potential in this book, but open ending aside, there was just too much unfinished business.  I was interested enough to read it straight through in a sitting (it's short), and it seemed to be building up to something,  but afterwards, I was unsatisfied. 

The writing is good and seems natural for our teenaged main character, Nell. It is epistolary, with Nell writing a long diary-style, chaptered letter to be read by her sister, Layla.  Nell tells us that she and her sister have been one unit their whole lives until recently, but it really isn't convincing to me -  what I felt was more a one-sided idolization by Nell more than any kind of equal adoration between sisters.  On top of that, Layla isn't particularly like-able to me - pretty and popular don't really cut it for the level of coolness she's supposed to possess. There are hints of a deeper person in Layla, but mostly, she came off flaky and very narcissistic (fairly normal for a seventeen-year-old in her shoes).  I understand how sisterly bonds run deep and so despite the perceived flaws in Nell and Layla's relationship, I could accept it and even empathize, knowing that there was so much more to it than readers were told. 

Back to the unfinished business. There were basically three things that didn't work for me and that held me back from rating this higher. One: By far the most interesting and favorite character in the story is Felix, but Reinhardt throws in a significant side story about Felix's family, and then leaves it dangling; it needed resolution or elimination.  Two: two dead brothers play a significant role as a coping mechanism for Nell (this isn't a spoiler); that's not normal and it's just out there with no explanation, acting like it is normal. Three: this is a young adult story, so I expect to see some consequences -- or at least some empowerment on the part of our main character as she makes decisions and/or takes control; there are/is none.  The hint in the ending that Nell is finally making a decision isn't enough because her plan is simple, vague, and flawed given what readers know about Nell's family.

At just 200ish pages, there was room for so much more to this story to be something to which a teenager could read and relate and from which a teen could learn something. Maybe a teen reader will be satisfied, but I am doubtful. 

There is some language, sexual situations without elaboration (including adult sex with minors), and underage drinking. It's all appropriate for the context of the story. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for providing me this free ARC in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give!

Moonless: Book I: Maiden of Time

Collier, C. (2013). Moonless. Apopka, FL: Raybourne Publishing.
YA / Romance / Paranormal Series

I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Is this not the most gorgeous cover?  I can't help it, but I judge a book by its cover. Well, initially I do. Thankfully, this book is awesome inside and out!

Moonless grabbed me from the first few paragraphs and kept me reading to the very last page and then AGONIZING that I'd have to wait for the next installment, (Soulless, coming Fall 2014) to get much wanted insight and answers.  The writing is beautiful, descriptive, and appropriate to the period and a delightful change of style from others in this genre.

Collier's story reminded me of a YA version of A Discovery of Witches, but to me, Moonless worked much better by having a seventeen-year-old protagonist, Alexia, and a setting in only the 1700s. Alexia's teenaged insta-love behavior towards Kiren was understandable and expected, though I felt like Kiren's feelings needed to be better explained. We're not told much about why he is so drawn to Alexia in this installment; it really didn't make sense to me and was even a little odd. In any case, the romance element will satisfy readers, and Kiren is truly swoon-worthy in his manner and mystery. There are some pretty electrifying kisses and some serious sexual tension building, so I'm not sure how Collier will be able to keep future installments clean, like this book.

Readers will enjoy the building-up of the three parallel worlds that exist at any given moment and the resulting plethora of characters and sub-plots that are spun as a result of the second world of the Passionate and the Soulless. (yes, I said three parallel worlds! you'll never see it coming.) There are some fabulously memorable characters - good, evil, and undetermined - and hints we'll be finding out more. Short chapters help readers to manage it all, though be prepared to have MANY questions that may or may not get answered. And that's the main reason I'm rating this a 4 and not a 5.

With any paranormal storyline, there is an expectation that readers will have to suspend their disbelief, and I'm good with that; however, there were several times where I just couldn't do it and the "not knowing" created some plot holes.  The writing was beautifully done, with the exception of some pronoun use that caused confusion in trying to figure out who was speaking or being spoken about.

Despite these minor flaws -- which I anticipate will be corrected in what I expect to be a smashing-good follow-up -- I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to high school readers and older. 

I received a free eBook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review -- the only kind I give!  

Visit Crystal Collier's website and learn more about Moonless and Soulless.

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