REVIEW: Hamilton--The Revolution

Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary for audiences since its debut.  The hip-hop infused story of a poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States. Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B, and the best traditions of theater, revitalizes Broadway and brings the history of American Revolution to viewers in a far more compelling way than any of us remember enduring in school.

Hamilton is amazing on its own but I have to say it is even more compelling for me since I live in a town named after him. I've been putting off listening to and immersing myself in this musical world, but now I'm hooked. I think the experience is enhanced since I didn't listen before reading this book. I heard the musical influences more clearly having the knowledge from the book already in mind. 

Hamilton-The Revolution also puts the historical context in perspective for fans. Let's face it, learning about the American Revolution in school was a pretty dreadful and boring experience but in this incarnation, it is as exciting as it is information.

I highly recommend the audiobook as narrated by Mariska Hargitay.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: RoseBlood by A.G. Howard

*Thanks to Netgalley & Amulet Books for an ARC in exchange for a fair review*

RoseBlood is a modern day spin on Gaston Leroux's Gothic classic Phamtom of the Opera with more than a nod to Mary Shelley's Frankentstein.

Seventeen year old Rune Germain is an operatic virtuoso, except that she has a mysterious ailment peculiarly related to her operatic talent. She's also hiding a horrifying mistake, one she hopes doesn't follow her to France.  Hoping to spurn Rune's creative direction, her mother enrolls her into an exclusive French music conservatory rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.

At the school, Rune's strange ability to read auras as well as her overwhelming compulsion to sing leads her to embark on a secret relationship with Thorn, an elusive violinist who guides her musical transformation. While these two form an otherworldly connection, it becomes apparent that Thorn's motive are not all that innocent.  The son of the famed Phantom, he must make some difficult choices: help the only father he's ever known carry out a dark plan which will lead to Rune's ruin or stand against him to unite with his soul mate.


What I liked...

• The cover art - just breathtaking!
• The concept of blending characters and themes from these classics into a modern story.
• I've never read Phantom of the Opera but want to. I know the basics of the story and characters. Howard does an fantastic job of paying homage to the original in a creative way that will appeal to contemporary YA readers.  Frankenstein is one of my favorite books ever written.  I enjoyed just the smattering of influence of this piece in RoseBlood. There are times that Erik aka The Phantom reminds me so much of Victor Frankenstein in his scientific pursuits.
• Howard's lush, vivid imagery and detailed descriptions. 
• Readers familiar with the Splintered series should know that this is her forte. Passages throughout are really like little word-pictures transporting us as if we are really in the converted opera house in France--the creepy rooms and secret passages, the dilapidated garden, cemetery and chapel.

What I didn't love...

• Rune...
• Following Alyssa as a female protagonist is hard work.  Rune just didn't do it for me.  I wanted her to be a more active player in the grand scheme of things.  While she does play her part, I wanted her to be a bit more kick-butt and snarky than she is actually portrayed.  
• The POV changes...
• I get that moving from Rune to Thorn advances the plot but I think I would have enjoyed the narrative more if the whole story was from Rune's POV, blended with more shared dreamscapes between her and Thorn to piece together the rest of the puzzle. This is just me being picky as a reader.  The overall flow of the narrative works but as a standalone novel, I was left wanting to know more about the origins of Thorn's and Runes abilities, how it works and how Rune will go about learning and mastering her gifts.  It all go wrapped up a bit too nicely.
• The ending...
• As I said, I wanted more resolution to the end.  Still enjoyable but more please!

PS: A.G. can we have a couple short stories?  PRETTY PLEASE?!?!?

Overall, I recommend this typically for the female YA reader looking for a supernatural inspired, twisted tale. Again, it is nice that it is a standalone but fans will be hankering for more!

Final rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @aghowardwrites

#RoseBlood #PhantomOfTheOpera #Frankenstein #opera #romance #YAlit #teen #mystery

REVIEW: Breakout by Kevin Emerson

Anthony Castillo is pretty much like any angst ridden rocker.  He's fed up with the constraints of day-to-day life and wishes that he could 'breakout' from under the thumb of those constantly telling him how to live his life.  The only difference between Anthony and other rockers is the fact that he's still an eighth grader. He's tired of being told what to do by his parents (be healthy!), his teachers (do your work!) and his administrators (tow the line!).  What he really wants to do is focus on his band, the Rusty Soles, their musical debut at the school's Art Night, and play the latest version of Liberation Force with his best friend, Keenan.  Unfortunately, like for any teenager, if seems as if life is out to get him.

The countdown to Art Night is less than two weeks away when disaster strikes and the Rust Soles lose their singer.  When emotion gets the best of him, Anthony pens and mixes an angsty anthem, which when posted online, surges in popularity and quickly becomes garners some worldwide buzz. The song's sentiment of feeling trapped resonates with other listeners and Anthony and his friends quickly find themselves elevated to small time celebrity status.

Excited to play "Breakout" for Art Night, the true challenge becomes whether the song's blatant language should be allowed. While parents and administrators require censorship, Anthony is conflicted.  The band and their fans plan the ultimate act of rebellion; however, Anthony is uncertain if he will have the guts to go through with it.

The characterization and themes are realistic, poignant and relevant. I liked Anthony quite a bit.  He is very much like the type of eighth graders I've encountered over the years.  He is certainly flawed but shows great potential since he is so young and is learning about finding his place in the world and shouldering extreme feelings with the notion of taking responsibility for his actions. The supporting cast of characters are solid as well both as protagonists and necessary antagonists.

I enjoyed the greater thematic discussion of censorship.  Emerson introduces the issue from both sides.  On one hand, the administration has a point regarding language and target audience. On the other hand, Anthony's lyrics were written with emotion and intent rather than for shocking effect. The outcome of Art Night illustrates that sometime we fail or don't live up to expectations but there in life and rock 'n' roll there is always another performance.

The recommended reading age is grades 7 and up.  I would recommend for purchase for public and school libraries.  The target audience is for those interested in realistic fiction and who are feeling the 'growing up' blues.  This is certainly also recommended for music lovers or anyone who enjoyed Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John, Road Rash by Mark Huntley Parsons or This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars


#breakout #music #YAlit #review #teenangst #censorship

   

REVIEW: Showtime (JEM and the Holograms Graphic Novel)

**I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review.**

Jem and the Holograms was a large part of my childhood growing up in the late 80's.  I'm excited that its making a resurgence in popularity; however, that travesty that is the upcoming film makes me shutter.  I will happily go watch my boxed set and avoid the coming disaster.

That being said, I'm elated that the series has made its way into a graphic novel format. Writers have taken the basic premise and updated it for a more modern teen audience.  Yes, its still cheesy, it has to be--holograms and music videos are a bit dated; however, the desire to make it big in music and petty rivalry never age. 

The story thus far is that Jerrica & Co have a band and want to make a video to enter a contest against The Misfits but Jerrica has stage fright.  Enter Synergy--the computer holographic system left by Jerrica's dearly departed father.  She can use the technology to appear as someone else while performing.  The band is a huge hit, but The Misfits are jealous and out to sabotage them at every turn. 

What I Liked...

The illustrations in and of themselves are a visual feast.  These echo back to the cartoon and I just loved them.  I want to streak my hair and wear cool make-up (oh, what I do!).  The slight changes in plot help out the premise even though the whole thing is pretty far-fetched.

I also liked the modern update of characterization. Kimber falls for Stormer, which is a departure from the cartoon.  This exploration of sexuality will appeal to teen girls experiencing similar feelings. I applaud the writers for going there. I like that this graphic novel is for girls and stands apart from the saturation of traditional superhero titles.

What I Didn't Like...

Again, the improbability of the situation is at times hard to swallow.  The characters are all a little too stereotypical. Pizzazz and her bullying, drama queen meltdowns, Kimber's unreliability, Jerrica's stage-fright. So, while intentions are good, the characters come across as rather shallow.

Final rating 4 out of 5 stars


#graphicnovel #netgalley #jem #YAlit #LBGTQ #music