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Friday, February 10, 2012

Review and Giveaway: Fairy Blues by J.L. Bryan


TITLE: Fairy Blues                   SERIES: Songs of Magic #2
AUTHOR: J.L. Bryan               PUB DATE: 1/20/12
FORMAT: ebook                       SOURCE: from author for review

The sequel to Fairy Metal Thunder. 
With their enchanted instruments charming the crowds, the Assorted Zebras attract interest from record producers, and soon they’re off to cut their first album and music video. Jason and his friends don’t know they’ve just become pawns in a sinister plot by a cabal of evil fairies... 
Meanwhile, Aoide and her band pursue a new strategy for regaining their stolen instruments, one that will take them into the most haunted region in Faerie



THREE WORDS: Fun, Enchanting, Rockin’

MY REVIEW: I’m always hesitant when it comes to sequels, afraid that they won’t live up to the awesomeness of their predecessors. But Fairy Blues by J.L. Bryan quickly squashed my fears by turning out to be a wonderfully fun and entertaining second volume in the Songs of Magic series…and, in my opinion, not only living up to the awesomeness of Fairy Metal Thunder, but surpassing it.

          MY BRIEF SUMMARY
Fairy Blues picks up where Fairy Metal Thunder leaves off, and we find the Assorted Zebras- Jason, Erin, Dred, and Mitch- still as popular as ever and on the verge of worldwide fame. They’ve garnered the interest of Malarkay Records, a record label that is part of Malarkay Media, a highly successful and influential company owned by billionaire Andrew Malarkay. The band soon finds themselves being whisked away to Ireland and to all they’ve dreamed of- recording an album, shooting music videos, worldwide touring. But they soon discover that the world of Faerie is still out to get them for stealing their magical instruments and nothing and no one may be what they seem. While in the world of Faerie, Aoide and her bandmates go on their own dangerous and surprising adventure in search of their stolen instruments.

J.L. Bryan has once again created a super fun and magically exciting story that rocks from beginning to end. I was very much looking forward to jumping back into the Songs of Magic world and Bryan definitely did not disappoint with this second volume. The fantasy elements dazzle and enchant, while the humor, romance and characters are endlessly amusing and entertaining.

Like the first volume, Fairy Blues takes place in both our world and the world of Faerie, creating a storyline that is never boring or slow. The world building, especially the world of Faerie, is superb, vivid, and wonderfully imaginative and surprising. I loved that more time was spent in this Faerie world than in the first book, allowing readers a chance to get to know this captivating world better. And Bryan has certainly created a fantastically fascinating magical world that is whimsical, yet can also be delightfully dark. The journey Aoide and her bandmates take is thrilling and full of the unexpected.

But the Assorted Zebras have their own wild adventure as well! Jason, Erin, Dred, and Mitch continue to be four incredibly likable and relatable characters, making their story that much more exciting for readers. I think most readers can find at least one kindred spirit among this eclectic group of misfit personalities, creating the incredible sense that, as a reader, you are not simply reading about their adventure, but experiencing it as well. As if you too, are living out your rockstar fantasies, which is such an awesome feeling and the product of excellent writing, characterization and world building.

Old characters continue to shine and fascinate- like grumpy, yet funny and lovable Grizlemor-while new and amusing characters are introduced.

I love that Bryan wasn’t afraid to take his very small town American teenage characters and plop them in a whole new environment, thus plopping readers into a whole new world as well, and Ireland is such a fabulous choice of setting. Bryan does a great job of taking this new environment, making it visually interesting and real in the minds of readers, yet not allowing it to become too overwhelming or to outshine the characters and story itself.

This second volume in the Songs of Magic series doesn’t really work as a stand-alone book, you really must read the first to fully understand all that is happening…but you really should read the first anyways because it’s awesome! There are plenty of surprising twists and unexpected revelations, but there are still plenty of intriguing mysteries and questions left…like, just what makes Erin so special? What wicked plan is Zinerva concocting now? And will Erin ever dump her lame-o boyfriend and give the adorkable Jason a chance?!

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Fairy Blues is a splendid second volume in what is turning out to be a fantastic series. J.L. Bryan and his Songs of Magic series will delight and amuse readers of all ages with its wonderful mix of fantasy, humor, action, and romance. I simply CANNOT wait to read book three!
 MY RATING
4.5/5 Cupcakes

Find the author: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook
J.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in Atlanta with his wife Christina, dogs Violet and Tiger Lily, and cats Shadow and Sue.




J.L. Bryan has generously offered one (1) ebook copy of either Fairy Metal Thunder or Fairy Blues (winner's choice) to give away!
There will be one winner
Open internationally
Giveaway will run from 2/10 - 2/17 at 11:59pm ET
Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter
  • Must be 13+ to enter
  • One main entry per person
  • Winner will be emailed and must claim prize within 48 hours
  • I am NOT responsible for lost or damaged prizes


a Rafflecopter giveaway

17 comments:

Susan Kaye Quinn said...

Hey, I know that guy. ;) Tweeting out...

Leah Marie said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

Also, I wanted to let you know I've tagged you on blog (not an award! just a meme). Don't feel obligated to participate--I just wanted to give you a heads up!

Check it out!

Rebecca said...

Sounds like a good book and an even better sequel. Thanks for the giveaway!

Emily @ Falling For YA said...

Thanks for another fabulous giveaway =D This one looks pretty good!

Unknown said...

Thank u for this giveaway. I love the cover, it's awesome. And the story sounds great.

Filia Oktarina said...

Thanks for another fabulous giveaway. This story look interesting, and love cover to.

Amy said...

I bought Fairy Metal Thunder in December, but still haven't had a chance to read it yet. It sounds fantastic though. This sounds like a great sequel. Great review!

Meghan@OwlReadIt said...

Thanks for the great giveaway!:D

Sara Kovach / Dare to be Different - Teach! said...

First I have seen this book. I would love to win it and read it. I'll have to pick up the first one.

books4me said...

sounds like a great series! Is this a YA or adult book? No difference, I will read it either way and then I can decide if my 13 year old can read it!

books4me67 at ymail dot com

Rayne said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
I read Jenny Pox from this author and I really liked it, so I can't wait to see how this new series turns out.

Lolawid said...

These look like books that I need to read! THanks!

In Julie's Opinion said...

I am so psyched to read this series!! I just bought a copy of the first book and it would be great if I won a copy of this one so I could read them together!! Thanks so much for the giveaway:)

Unknown said...

^appreciate giveaway! Helps those like me, on fixed income/SSI {perm/multi disabled: wheelchair/home-bound} who need & enjoy to read, attain books can't normally afford <3
^Kewl! A new & innovative twist, on an oft told *Faerie Tale* {pun intended} look forward to reading!

Email:needz2dream(at)live(dot)com

)0( Warmest Blessings )0(

*Paranormal Stories are Magickal*

pandalovesyou said...

I really enjoy JL Bryan's writing. THanks for the giveaway!

Rebecca A. said...

Loved J.L. Bryan's Paranormals series. Can't wait to get into this one!

Book Lover said...

I just found your blog. <3 it!! This book sounds great.

Mandie