i am not a bookworm!: j.a. armitage

Monday, February 20, 2017

Endless Winter (Guardians of the Light #1) by J.A. Armitage | A Book Review

This book was set in England.

The start alone already had my heart racing. Like Anais confused, shocked and disoriented, I too felt like I was kidnapped and imprisoned in that room with her. It was a very stupefying start of a very interesting story. I liked how the author had me caught me unaware, right in the first chapter. Not knowing where the story will take me but none the less, believing that this should lead to more amazing revelations that will blow me away.

As I said, I could not make out what the story was about. And I say this as a compliment. Like Anais I had to wait until the facts and truth were revealed. I liked how the history of the Guardians of the Light came to be. It was very clever. This was a very well-written story that had a very believable background spun from a historical event.

I really had fun reading the story. It felt like I was right there with the characters freezing from the cold weather and liking the feel of snow. My only observations what that for one that was set in England and with all the other characters supposed to be English, I did not hear the accent or the common English expressions and words used in the story. It felt like all the conversations were of Americans, only they are in Britain instead of US soil. I wanted to hear the authentic English tongue. But other than that, it was all good. The descriptions and narrations were really detailed. I can easily picture out the scenes in this book.

I give the book 3/5 paintings of London. The feel of the English countryside was there but I just wished I could also hear the conversations in the British tongue. I did enjoy the story and I am looking forward to reading the next one. Hopefully, if it would still be set in England, I hope it would sound more English than American. This book probably had the best starting chapter. It stunned me and it took a while for me to recover from the shock.

It really was the most awful feeling, and the worst part is, people keep telling you to get over it as if you are suffering no more than a common cold.

- J. A. Armitage, Endless Winter -

Friday, December 30, 2016

Two of Clubs (War and Suits #1) by J.A. Armitage | ARC | A Book Review

Two of Clubs by J.A. Armitage ARC Book Review

This is my first J.A. Armitage read. I have never read any of her works before. Two of Clubs is the first of the War and Suits series. This book will welcome the New Year with a big bang! So, before we all get busy with the preparations for the incoming year 2017, let me say 'May we all have a prosperous and better year ahead. May it be a year of more opportunities and greater things. Happy 2017!

Two of Clubs is the story of Rose. The youngest of eleven royal children of the House of Club. A princess who enjoyed playing with swords than going to balls or dances. She'd rather be a warrior and fight than be the one to be rescued.

I love the idea where this story came from. A world where the characters of a whole deck of cards are alive, walking and talking. Yes, this story will entertain you with the colorful characters from the four royal houses such as the Clubs, the Hearts, the Spades, and the Diamonds. Each clan has each own characteristics, peculiarities and may even have powers. Isn't this book amazing? I applaud the author for cleverly giving the common set of playing cards life and putting them into a truly interesting story. Yes, a similar thing has been done before -Alice in Wonderland, right? But what makes this book different is that all 52 characters have a chance of making an appearance here. All four royal houses and families are part of this story which makes it all the more fun and chaotic.

I love Rose's character. Oftentimes, being young is sort of a disadvantage or a handicap. There are things that require a certain age for one to be able to do. For Rose, being the Two of Clubs, there are things that she wants to be but is not allowed to. And worse, being a girl has prevented her from being a warrior, her heart's greatest desire. Yes, she'd rather be a warrior than do princessy things. I can relate to Rose. I think each one of us has gone through at least once in our life when we were told that we can't be this or that because we are too young or because of gender. Admiringly, Rose doesn't easily give up. She's resourceful and has found a way to be nearer to her dream. And because she never gave up, when the opportunity came for her to step up and be a hero, she readily jumped on it, literally and figuratively.

I undoubtedly delighted in this story. I look forward to the misadventures of Rose and her quest to being a real warrior. I think I can take a lesson or two from Rose. Just because she was limited or was told that she can't be a warrior, that ended everything for her. No! She decided that is all she wants and she will work on it. I guess, her youth strengthened her tenacity and it has paid off. Being young is sort of a power also. When you are young, the possibilities are endless. I think all of us once thought that we can rule the world and we can do anything. Do you ever wonder why the world is obsessed with wanting to stay young? I am sure you have heard of the mythical 'fountain of youth. Youth, in some way, equals strength and vast opportunities to prove oneself. Combined that with an unwavering belief and you might just get what you want. There is power in believing. Rose strongly believed that she can be a warrior, much better than her brothers if allowed.

I give the book 5/5 Ace of Clubs. I was taken to a grand world of my imagination. Yes, I did wonder once what would it be like if the numbers on a deck of cards were people and given personalities. Well, this is it. J. A. Armitage has successfully created that world and gave each card a unique personality and character which suited each one perfectly. This is a brilliant start of a very promising series. I can't wait for the next book. Welcome everyone to Vanatus!

One other thing I love about the story is that Rose is out to prove everyone, including her family and the whole Vanatus wrong. I like stories of underdogs or the unassuming breaking the rules and coming out as the champion or the unexpected hero. This story reminds us that we should not underestimate anyone, whether because of youth or inexperience or innocence or gender. Anyone has the potential to surprise and be great if given the chance. Especially if the person works hard enough and puts his whole heart to it.