Heather Tomlinson

I wasn't certain what to think of when I first began Aurelie. I had thought it was based on a certain fairy tale, or several, but if it is I can't find any references to its original story. The alternating chapters between Netta, Aurelie, Garin and Loic was a good way to understand better the characters and motivations as well. I was kind of puzzled by the fact that the only character not to be told in first person was Aurelie herself. Netta (who has the fewest chapters I believe) is told in first person, Garin is and Loic as well, but for some reason Aurelie, who has the most chapters, is told in third person.

This book felt divided. On the one hand you have, until Aurelie returns from Dorisen at least, a very well thought out and intriguing adventure/mystery. Netta's brief recounting of why the foursome broke apart so suddenly two years prior is told in a resigned and heartfelt manner. Aurelie, both anxious and excited to be going to the city of her one time best friend Garin's homeland, does her best to be dutiful and strong. Garin's chapter is told in a completely different voice. Much less formal, much more excitedly and filled with a lot more slang and idioms.

I loved the book then. I loved watching as Aurelie tried to be the diplomat, be the friend, be the Princess all the while breaking inside because its not who she wanted to be. Nothing, and I do mean nothing, turns out well at all. And none of it is her fault. Unfortunately the book splintered once she left Dorisen and returned home to Luminelle.

Instead of getting a more comprehensive view of events as the chapter narrative shifted, things became fragmented. There was a lot more telling in the last half of the book. Aurelie tells us what is it like in Loic's world. Garin tells us what the suspicious behavior of Inglis is. Loic tells us about his former nursemaid. All of which was being slowly revealed through their memories and present, but then suddenly came out in rapid exposition. Not only that, but Loic's true motivations are muddled at best--he wants to revenge himself on his former friends who broke his heart, but then seems to have forgotten this. His father is no longer a threat, but we're not told how. It felt as if entire chapters of the book were being referenced that never existed in the first place.

Netta, perhaps because of what happened to her, does a better job in her narrative, but even then we're deprived of a reunion that was everything she wanted. We're told it went well and well now things are better. We're not shown how they came to this agreement, or what they talked about. It just...happened off scene.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes. I enjoyed reading about the foursome and how they won the day. I would have enjoyed it so much more if I didn't feel like half the pages were ripped out.… (plus d'informations)

I had to read this book as soon as I heard about it. Toads and Diamonds is one of the lesser-known fairy tales but it is also one of my favorite fairy tales ever. There was something that was utterly brilliant to me as a child of having gems and flowers falling from my lips when I spoke.

Tomlinson took the little-known tale and crafted a truly unique story that takes place in a little-known culture. Diribani and Tana are sisters who were both gifted by a goddess in different ways, and become pawns in a dangerous political game. Both discover that blessings can be curses, and curses can be blessings.… (plus d'informations)