Fate Breaker by Victoria Aveyard

 

Last night, I finished reading Fate Breaker by Victoria Aveyard. The conclusion to the Realm Breaker series, this high fantasy novel takes place directly after the events of Blade Breaker. After the slaughter at Gidastern, the companions are separated and not sure who is still alive. As Corayne decides to search for the Elder enclave of Sirandel in the Castlewood before heading to Iona in the eastern kingdom of Calidon, Andry, Valtik, and Charlie are on their own journeys eastward and Dom, Sorasa, and Sigil must escape from imprisonment in Ascal, the capital of Galland. Meanwhile, Queen Erida and Taristan determine their next moves to find Corayne and the remaining Spindleblade and conquer the realm for What Waits.

This novel could not have been a better ending to the Realm Breaker series. I thought it was absolutely breathtaking and I didn't want it to be over by the time I got to the end. The story was full of action and adventure and the stakes were higher than ever, creating a high level of suspense. If Corayne and her companions failed, it would be the end of the realm and the death of all they held dear. As I read, there were a few plot twists I saw coming and others that took me by surprise. Most of all, though, I loved how this book continued to humanize Taristan even while Erida was falling deeper into darkness in her desire to rule over all and not show weakness. The climax was everything I hoped for and more. If you enjoyed the rest of the series, I can't recommend Fate Breaker enough.

The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity

 

Yesterday, I finished reading The Mona Lisa Vanishes: A Legendary Painter, a Shocking Heist, and the Birth of a Global Celebrity by Nicholas Day. This narrative nonfiction book tells the real-life story of the robbery of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in Paris, France, in 1911 and how the painting never should have existed in the first place. Alternating between 1911 Paris and Renaissance Italy, the author describes the fascinating life of scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, the unlikely series of events that led to da Vinci painting the Mona Lisa, the detectives who tried to solve the mystery of who stole the Mona Lisa, and how it was actually found.

I found this book absolutely riveting. While I was aware that the Mona Lisa had been stolen from the Louvre at some point in its history, I never knew the complete story until I read this book. I especially enjoyed learning more about Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa, the detectives who worked on the case, and the different suspects. The author's writing style was so engaging and I was eager to learn the identity of the Mona Lisa's thief and how he had the knowledge to actually carry out the robbery. I was definitely surprised when it wasn't any of the main suspects of the era and the police had written off someone that it really could have been. I also loved the illustrations by Brett Helquist because I thought they were quirky and a little funny. Overall, anyone who likes thrillers or art history should read The Mona Lisa Vanishes.

Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles

 

On Friday, I finished Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles. This realistic fiction novel is about Lawrence, a twelve-year-old boy who moved from Charlotte to Larenville, North Carolina, with his mom and sister to live with his granny after his pop went away. When he gets into one too many fights at school, he is suspended and has to find something to do with his time other than sitting at home all day. Although he feels like no one listens to him, Lawrence meets a neighbor, Mr. Dennis, who works at the rec center and begins helping him each day. As he spends his days at the rec center and finds himself interested in the chess program, he gets to know the other kids, including developing a crush on one of the girls, Twyla. On the other hand, he doesn't get along with a boy, Deuce, at first. When Lawrence learns that a few of the kids will be chosen to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament, he commits to learning the game so that he can go back to Charlotte.

Even though I personally don't like playing chess, I really liked this novel. At the beginning, I felt bad that nobody really believed that the fight Lawrence was in with Billy Jakes wasn't his fault and wanted him to get his act together so that he wouldn't be blamed for being a troublemaker. I thought it was really good for him to help out at the rec center because it gave him a sense of responsibility and he didn't want to screw things up. He was also able to meet and befriend other Black kids in Larenville. Although he and Deuce got off on the wrong foot when Deuce took his earbuds, the other kids were really nice to Lawrence and he and Deuce eventually connected over his pop's music. I also enjoyed Lawrence's relationship with his little sister, Nikko. Things seemed really hard on them, especially when their mom lost her job and had to find a new one working night shifts. Most of all, though, I love how Lawrence discovered that he could be good at chess with practice. I was eager for him to earn one of the three spots to go to the chess tournament in Charlotte, his hometown. I recommend Not an Easy Win to anyone who likes rooting for an underdog.