Mini Book Reviews from 2011: Wintercraft & Mistwood

Some point last year (around my exams) i managed to stay behind in many of my book reviews. While the ones that really stand out, i still remember and can review, some others i'm missing the details. I usually have a good memory but i've read over 100 books last year and watched over 100 movies too so i'm my brain can't really keep up with every single detail. But, i really want to share my thoughts on all those books, so i will do some smaller reviews. I will try to not let myself do it again but you never know....Has this ever happened to you or is just me? Cause i really can't write reviews when i'm not in mood.

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court... until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart... and everything she thought she knew.

Mistwood
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 304 (paperback)
Part of Series: Mistwood #1
Purchased: Bought
Rating: 3/5 stars
Buy: Book Depository || Amazon (US)|| Amazon (UK)

REVIEW: This was a really fast read. Even though it's 300 pages i did finish it too fast. Maybe it was because the story was a moving on fast too. What really makes the book stand out it's the idea and the intrigue. The whole mystery around Isabel, the court life and Isabel's struggle on what she must and what she wants to do, are what make the book special and what keeps you turning pages on after the other til you reach the end.
I can't say the character's really stand out and be memorable. They are good for the story and that is all. You connect with them, understand them but after the story is done so are they. Need to mention though, that Isabel has a strong personality instead of the usual helpless girl, and that's one more plus to the book.
A light and easy read which is original but not that extraordinary. Great for a time's read, though it doesn't really make me want to read the other book which i believe doesn't have much connection with it anyway.

Ten years ago Kate Winters' parents were taken by the High Council's wardens to help with the country's war effort. Now the wardens are back...and prisoners, including Kate's uncle Artemis, are taken south on the terrifying Night Train. Kate and her friend Edgar are hunted by a far more dangerous enemy. Silas Dane -- the High Council's most feared man -- recognises Kate as one of the Skilled; a rare group of people able to see through the veil between the living and the dead. His spirit was damaged by the High Council's experiments into the veil, and he's convinced that Kate can undo the damage and allow him to find peace. The knowledge Kate needs lies within Wintercraft -- a book thought to be hidden deep beneath the graveyard city of Fume. But the Night of Souls, when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest, is just days away and the High Council have their own sinister plans for Kate and Wintercraft. To help Artemis, Edgar and herself, Kate must honour her pact with a murderer and come face to face with the true nature of death.

Wintercraft
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 278 (paperback)
Part of Series: Wintercraft #1
Purchased: Bought
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Buy: Book Depository || Amazon (US)|| Amazon (UK)

REVIEW: Now that's a good one. Fantasy, magic, adventure, action! I really liked this one. Without being too tiring, it introduces you to a new fantasy and let you see its aspects little its each time. While it has the usual fantasy elements of a magic world, it has the steampunk element in too. Surprising i didn't mind it but i have to admit that it's presence made the story better. It fitted so well.
There is a lot of hunting around, secrets and dark magic in this one too. It creates a very gothic atmosphere and actually made me shiver from time to time.
Another strong aspect are it's secondary characters who for me were way better than Kate. While Kate is the usual girl who doesn't have an idea (she is not annoying or cry-baby though), Silas and Artemis have both a quite interesting part which you learn through the story. Especially Silas is quite fascinating and really scary at times.
The story is more than promising and i have a feeling i would like the next book even more. Definitely worth your time if you are up for some fantasy not regarding demons, angels, vampires, werewolves, etc.