![]() ![]() The ‘magic’ here is that people and society can work on changing the laws of physics: but only if everyone goes along with it. ![]() The Machinaries of Empire series is best described as a space opera, with a setting that fulfils Arthur C Clark’s old adage that “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” So it’s not going to be a walk in the park. This is compounded by the fact that the setting is decidedly very ‘out-there’ and wildly imaginative, so it can be really had to find your bearings. One of the most commonly made comments about the first book, Ninefox Gambit, is that it can be very difficult to understand the first time around, because the author, Yoon Ha Lee, just refuses to hold your hand. But since I cannot avoid the latter books at all, I’m not going to guarantee that everything is going to be 100% spoiler-free. Usual disclaimer: as I am reviewing a whole series at once, I am not going to get too heavily into the plot points of the latter two books, just the first. ![]() I had read the books one by one as they had come out, but I had never sat down and binge-read them before.Īnd honestly, now that I have done that-while adding the more recently published short story collection-I think the series is even better. This was all triggered by last years’ Cannonball Book Exchange, where ElCicco was kind enough to send me the three main entries in the The Machinaries of Empire series. ![]()
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![]() ![]() ![]() Pierce was born in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania in Fayette County, on December 13, 1954. Pierce's books have been translated into twenty languages. The annual award recognizes one writer and a particular body of work for "significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature". Edwards Award from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) of the American Library Association in 2013, citing her two quartets Song of the Lioness and Protector of the Small (1999–2002). ![]() She made a name for herself with her first book series, The Song of the Lioness (1983–1988), which followed the main character Alanna through the trials and triumphs of training as a knight. Tamora Pierce (born December 13, 1954) is an American writer of fantasy fiction for teenagers, known best for stories featuring young heroines. Pierce at the Boskone science fiction convention in Boston, February 2008 ![]() ![]() It is not for the faint of heart or those who are looking for a light, comedic read, though it does have its humorous moments. ![]() It has some graphic content and violence and requires a mature reader to be appreciated. If We Were Villains is appropriate for older teens. The bulk of the story is told through Oliver’s memories and the details of his fourth year at the conservatory are revealed. Oliver, the protagonist, is finishing serving ten years in prison, but the details of the crime - and whether or not he actually committed it - are not entirely clear. However, a tragedy that Shakespeare himself would be proud of rips them apart during their final year, as is revealed at the opening of the book, which is ten years after the students leave the conservatory. Having survived the cuts at the end of their previous three years, they are closer than family. ![]() The novel takes place at a small arts conservatory and focuses on the seven fourth-year acting students. Rio is an intriguing mystery that keeps readers invested. ![]() |