4/04/2013

Review + Giveaway: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters


In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters.

Published: April 2, 2013.
Published by: Amulet Books.
Source: Won ARC from Me, My Shelf and I. Thank you so much!

Goodreads Blurb:
In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.


My Review:

I had high hopes for this novel. I mean, read the summary. Look at the cover. How could one not have high hopes? It was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I am delighted to say that it completely and totally delivered.

Cat has done an amazing job of weaving together the setting and the plot to create an all-encompassing world that pulls you right in. The tension and the fear of the United States in 1918, faced with both the Spanish influenza and having troops overseas fighting in World War I, was evident throughout the story. It was a harsh reality: people were dying everywhere. Death was literally all around. This was such a major part of the period, and Cat used it to the best effect possible. It was shown not only in the obvious ways, but also in the subtleties: people shifting or turning away when someone coughs on the street car. The widening of eyes whenever someone takes down their mask. It was such a complete transformation of the time that I had no difficulty being sucked into 1918. That is exactly what historical fiction should do, and it is why I love the genre so much.

The characters also helped draw me into the story. Mary Shelley Black felt like the girl I've been waiting for years to read about. She felt so true, with genuine fears for her father, a remaining longing for her deceased mother, and concern for her flu-fearing aunt. And, of course, suffering greatly from the loss of her first love, Stephen. Yet despite all these difficulties, Mary Shelley Black is strong. She is brave, more concerned about caring for those around her than for herself. She is curious, faced with so many questions and uncertainties and an urge to solve them all. And she does not lose it in the face of her dead love's ghost! I think that says a lot about someone, especially about a girl who is a complete skeptic during a boom of spirit photography. She is scared, absolutely, but she is brave enough and her feelings for Stephen are strong enough that she will do anything it takes to help him. She is the girl I wish I could be.

As for Stephen, well, he just broke my heart. We get to see the old Stephen through flashbacks and though the letters he wrote to Mary Shelley and it makes his story all the more devastating. There were so many passages in this novel that I read with tears in my eyes because I could feel his pain, and I could feel Mary Shelley's pain at feeling completely unable to help him. His was a heart-wrenching story and Cat has told it perfectly.

I am not normally one for ghost stories but I found no fault with this one. I put aside all pre-conceived notions I had of ghosts and allowed this story to swallow me up, and never once did a doubt or disbelief cross my mind. I raced through it, unable to put it down. I spent the whole time dying to know what would happen next, or if my suspicions about a character were right, or how it would all turn out. This was absolutely one of my favourite reads in a long time.
Without a doubt, 5 stars!

What a great way to start off Into the Archives April! With a 5 star, now-my-favourite book. This, my friends, is why I wanted to feature historical fiction.

Amulet Books, the publisher of In the Shadow of Blackbirds, has graciously agreed to provide one lucky US/Can winner with a finished copy of the novel! Trust me, you want this book. Not only was it incredible (see the glowing review above), but the physical book itself is gorgeous. The photos, the chapter headers, the blackbirds... everything was done so well.


Some Rules (aka the not so fun but important part):
~ This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only.
~ No P.O. boxes.
~ Must be 13 or older to enter.
~ Winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email, otherwise they forfeit their prize and I will choose another winner, who must abide by the same rules.
~ Amulet Books, Cat Winters, and I are not responsible for lost or damaged packages.
No cheating! In this case, I have the right to disqualify entries as I see fit.
~ By entering the giveaway, you are agreeing to these rules.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

27 comments:

  1. I need this book in my life! Like right now! I've talked to Cat on twitter about it and I'm so excited that you liked it as much as you did! Give it to me now. Lol!

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    1. You totally do need it! I definitely loved it and I hope you do too, when you get it. Patience! :)

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  2. I just finished this novel last night and I loved it just as much as you! The story was fresh and original, and Mary Shelley has instantly become one of my favorite YA Heroines I just loved her silent strength! Great review =)

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    1. I'm so glad to hear that you loved it as well! I also love Mary Shelley Black as a heroine, especially when you consider the time she lived in. Thank you :)

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  3. Is there any connection between this Mary Shelley and the one who wrote Frankenstein?
    This looks great and I love that book cover. The girl on the cover reminds me of April Ludgate from "Parks and Recreation." Anyone else see it?

    mestith at gmail dot com

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    1. I do believe there is some sort of connection to that Mary Shelley, although I can't for the life of me remember what it is!
      I love that cover too. It's what really made the book catch my eye in the first place. And I do see a bit of April from Parks and Rec. You're not the only one! :)

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  4. I've been hearing great things about this book. I am a sucker for ghost stories, so I'm desperate to read this book!!!

    I've also never read historical fiction, so it'd be a first for me.

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    1. Oh wow, never read historical fiction? You should definitely give some a try! I think you might love this one, especially if you love ghost stories!

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    2. I think I'll love it as well...Mention ghost, and I'm there, lol.

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  5. I've been super excited to check this out! Looks so creepy with seances and spirit photographers! I'm confident I'd love it! Thanks for your thoughts and the chance to win!

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    1. I definitely loved the spirit aspect of the book. It was used so well! I hope you do love it :)

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  6. I really, really want to read this book. It's one of my most anticipated debuts as well. My library doesn't have it, though ): I'm seriously considering buying it. I love historical fiction, but I feel like a lot of the time authors don't completely immerse the story in the time period. I'm glad this one is different. I can't wait to read it. Oh man, oh man, oh man.

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    1. It is totally worth all the anticipation and the money. Cat completely captured the period, and I absolutely love her for it. Seriously, read it. So worthwhile. One of the best I've read in a some time.

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  7. great review! It's nice to see a strong female MC nowadays. :D

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    1. I agree! We still see so much of the man saving the woman that I loved that it was reversed in this one, especially since it's historical.

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  8. My sister has this book. She showed it to me after I mentioned that I read your review and I would like to borrow her copy, but she was like, "Uh, no. Get your own." She said it in a playful, serious-kinda way but she still won't let me! I kept bugging her but I'll just wait patiently and hope this book would fly in my hands! After reading your review, I did a research about the Spanish influenza and the year 1918 because I don't quite remember the details, although I studied it, I wanted to find out more. It's very intriguing. Great interview. As expected from you ;D

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    1. Hahaha darn sister! Well I hope you are able to get your hands on a copy because it was wonderful! And I think having done some research about the time you'll find that Cat does a wonderful job at bringing it to life (even if "life" is dark and miserable in this case). Thank you! :D

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  9. I let her do anything she wants because she's nice to me most of the times and it's her birthday today! "Cat" is such a cute name! (So off topic) xD

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    1. Haha I suppose that's fair. And it is cute, I like it :)

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  10. Historical fiction is my all time favorite genre!! If I dont win this book, Im buying it

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    1. Mine too! I love finding other historical fiction lovers. And I am so happy to hear that! I hope you love it :)

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  11. I can't wait to read this book! I love historical fiction!

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    1. Historical fiction lovers are the best. I hope you do read it, it's amazing!

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  12. I have heard that this book was really amazing and I am so jealous I have not had the opportunity to read it yet. I am really excited to get my hands on this and read about this amazing character you described (;! Thank you for this amazing giveaway!

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    1. It absolutely was amazing. I do hope you get a copy because it is well worth the read. Good luck! :)

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  13. I've been trying to get my hands on this book, sounds like it's right up my alley!

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    1. I definitely don't think you'll be disappointed when you do read it! :)

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I'd love to hear what you think!