Blog Tour: Selina Fenech's 'Memory's Wake' Review & 2 Giveaways

 

Memory’s Wake by Selina Fenech
(Memory’s Wake Trilogy #1)
Publication date: June 16th 2011
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

 

Lost in a world full of monstrous fairies, a troubled sixteen year old has to find out who she is and why her memories were stolen before she is found by those who want her dead.

She takes the name “Memory” and knows she has just one goal – to find her way home, wherever that is. But this land is strange. No technology to be seen, and iron is banned, thanks to a pact the humans have with the magical creatures who share their pre-industrial era world. In her t-shirt and torn jeans, Memory knows she’s different, even before she performs impossible magic.

Haunted by her past, chased by a dragon, wanted by the king and stalked by the strange, handsome savage that seems to know her, everyone is after Memory, and she suspects it’s not just for her eye-catching outfit. Her forgotten past holds dangerous secrets that will challenge everything she believes and risk the lives of everyone she loves.

Memory’s Wake contains over 45 illustrations by the author and artist.

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Click here to view the Memory's Wake book trailer.

AUTHOR BIO:
 

Born in 1981 to Australian and Maltese parents, Selina lives in Australia with her husband, her cute monster baby who’s far too clever, and an unnamed cat. During her life Selina has found ancient Roman treasure, survived cancer, had knights joust at her wedding, been mugged for doughnuts, made a living as a visual artist, and shared her imaginary worlds in paintings and now in her novels.

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My Review:

 

I received a copy of Memory's Wake in exchange for an honest review.
 

This book was kind of amazing. I've read A LOT of books about fairies and while I do enjoy them, the concept can get a little stale. This book, however, was completely original and the polar opposite of stale. The world Fenech created is rich and vibrant and her characters are well-developed and loveable. The story is action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat.
 

This is the story of Memory (a nickname because she cannot remember her actual name). Memory wakes up from what seems to be a nightmare and she has no idea who she is or where she is. She meets a pale girl named Eloryn who is dressed completely differently than Memory. Eloryn is also on the run and decides to help Memory get her memories back. They venture through a world of dragons and fairies trying to navigate who they can trust. Memory has to decide whether she wants her memories back even if they are terrible. 

The first thing I'd like to comment on is the artwork in this book. It's fairly uncommon to see artwork in novels, but what's even more uncommon is art work as beautiful as that found in Memory's Wake. There are a ton of black and white (kind of looks like charcoal) drawings of characters and scenes from the story. They're well done and really add something to the story. I found myself looking forward to the next drawing throughout the book.
 

This story is ultimately about two girls trying to find their place in the world. Ok, maybe the world in the book is a mystical one full of strange creatures and characters, but the point and theme is the same. I love that this story manages to combine an epic fantasy adventure story with an important theme every young girl can relate to. I'll always get on board with an exciting story with heart.
 

This book is a serious page turner. I ripped through it in two sittings, unable to put it down. The characters are genuine and had me rooting for them (especially Memory). The story is a thrill a minute, but also smart and well thought out. The writing is smooth, concise, and witty. For the first time in quite a while I really have nothing bad to say about this book. Not a single complaint. So, in other words, this book was perfection for me. I can't wait to see what happens next for Memory!


My Rating:

Giveaways:
 

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Click here to see more awesome blog stops on the Memory's Wake tour!