This is a new monthly post I’m hoping to maintain, giving a shout out to authors I’ve read recently. I will try and mix both traditional and indie authors but my preference will be for those who self publish. I won’t be reviewing books as I find it’s such a subjective process. What works for one reader doesn’t work for another. Personally I like to make my own mind up, it’s the same with films and music. I know reviews are important but I have difficulty using them to make my own decisions. 😉 So I will share the reads that I’ve enjoyed and let you decide for yourself. There won’t be any spoilers, I promise.
So today I’m shouting out Victoria Schwab, also known as V.E.Schwab. I’ve read a couple of her books over the last few months and I really love her style of story telling. She’s successful, both in Indie and traditional worlds and writes for adults, YA and middle grade. Victoria writes stories ‘for those who dream of stranger worlds…’ as advertised on her website. And she delivers those strange worlds in her great use of characterisation and sense of place.
I’ve read two of her Shades of Magic series which centres around several parallel Londons, each very differently drawn.
The main character is Kell, a magician who can travel between the cities and who is joined by Lila, a sassy thief with a price on her head and wannabe pirate.
This Savage Song is the third book I’ve read and is categorised under her YA publications but it’s just as accessible to adults. I loved it. Two characters from warring families are thrown together when the thin thread of truce which keeps the peace between them unravels. And monsters, lots of monsters.
For me, this has been just about a good reading experience, it’s about learning what makes great fantasy, through the development of characters – good and bad – and the creation of a world which encapsulates readers, enabling them to share the story. Almost like stepping into the page and taking part. Luckily Victoria has a number of titles for me to draw on and I’ll definitely be reading some more.
“I mean, most people want to escape. Get out of their heads. Out of their lives. Stories are the easiest way to do that.”
― Victoria Schwab, This Savage Song
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