Here is our opinion on 4 readings aimed primarily at young adults. Discover our selection of books to read at the end of the year.
We chose The New Legion T1: The Memory of Bloodby Ellie Ariny (Slalom). La Saga Halfling – La Lame du roi T1by Melissa Blair (Casterman). This Dark Descentof Kalyn Josephson (Bayard). The Birdcatchersby Camille Noyer (Auzou).
The New Legion T1: The Memory of Blood
Résumé
Every ten years, the New Legion requires each region of the continent to provide it with young children, who will become the driving forces of its army. Kath and Shanii are among them, torn from their family early and having grown up together, they form with four other legionnaires a close-knit family. Today overtrained and feared, they have become spectacular warriors, prepared for anything… except what their first mission has in store for them. Revolts, cover-ups, political manipulation and dangerous liaisons, Kath and Shanii soon face issues that go beyond the questions of life and death they have always faced.+
Why read it
Editions Slalom are unearthing some real gems this year: after “Noblesse Oblige” (read the review) and “Magie et Sentiments” (review on this link), a new French author to follow is entering the catalog with “La Légion neuf” .
Thanks to the double temporality, we learn to know and appreciate the two protagonists; Kath and Shanii.
The strength of the story comes from them, and from the relationship they maintain more than from the world building. Strong, independent, they had to learn to survive in a hostile military empire. Click here or Click here to read an excerpt or purchase the book
La Saga Halfling – La Lame du roi T1
Résumé
A ruthless killer. A cruel king. A mysterious enemy. Keera is the King's Blade. She spies, tracks down and assassinates enemies of the Crown. When a revolt against the royal family breaks out, she is tasked with uncovering the elusive character at the head of the plot: the one nicknamed the Shadow. But by following his trail in the magical lands of the Fae, Keera discovers to her cost a disturbing truth about her origins, and those of the Shadow… Consumed by doubt, she will have to choose her side. That of the king who decimated his people? Or that of the Shadow which threatens the peace of the kingdom in the name of freedom? Not to mention that the latter turns out to be more attractive than expected…
Why read it
A good novel, which lacks a “little something”: the twists and turns are predictable for those accustomed to the genre but that in no way takes away the pleasure of reading.
The world building is developed just enough – and once “entered the story”, the reading is fluid.
Keera is an ambivalent character, torn between her duties and her desires. It is nuanced enough for us to be interested and attached to it.
The pace is sustained, if we put aside the somewhat sluggish beginning, and the well-conducted plot, with its share of lies, (political) plots and betrayals. “The King's Blade” is a novelty romantic novelty. Click here or Click here to read an excerpt or purchase the book.
This Dark Descent
Résumé
Every ten years, the citizens of Veradell gather for the Illinir, a magical horse race famous for its tremendous rewards and high death toll.
Mikira Rusel, scion of a renowned family on the verge of ruin, finds herself forced to accept a bet from the cruel Lord Kelbra. If she reaches Illinir without an enchanted horse, she will obtain her father's freedom and the cancellation of the family debt. A bet seemingly impossible to win… Until an unlikely sponsor presented himself to Mikira: Damien Adair, an elegant and ambitious young Lord. In their quest for victory, Mikira and Damien are joined by Arielle, a beautiful enchantress with a dark past, and Reid, a sullen and strangely loyal servant. At the heart of their perilous and desperate mission, special bonds form between the four young people.
Why read it
First volume of a duology, “This Dark Descent” promises beautiful things: a promising and original universe, action galore with its share of plots and twists… but ultimately has the effect of a soufflé: it falls flat.
The potential is there, but the whole thing is laborious, with too much info dump. The characters are not particularly endearing; reversals often “too” easy or brought about abruptly.
“This Dark Descent” is not a bad read – but after seeing the comparisons to “Six of Crows” and even “Hunger Games”, it proves to be a disappointing read. To read without any particular expectations. Click here or Click here to read an excerpt or purchase the book
The Birdcatchers
Résumé
Birdwatchers read the past and the future in the tracks of birds. To join their ranks and develop her Gift, Alouette is ready to do anything… even disguise herself as a man. Defying the prohibitions, she infiltrates the ancestral seat of the fowlers, tormented by this threat: what will they do if they discover the truth? But in Avem Dis, Alouette is far from being the only one with secrets. And when Dessil, the son of the Great Fowler himself, asks for his help, his convictions waver… On earth, beyond the walls…
Why read it
What was the probability of having another novel, in the same period, with a character called Alouette? (read the Songlight column).
It's surprising to say the least, but it happened! Camille Noyer offers a poetic universe where nature and humanity intertwine. It is about destiny, freedom, the quest for identity but also the relationships and links that unite living beings together.
The themes are approached with accuracy and delicacy. Alouette is a touching, determined character whose development we follow with pleasure and impatience.
PS: please note that this review was written while I still have 90 pages to read to finish the novel. Click here or Click here to read an excerpt or purchase the book
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