Memory's Wake by Selina Fenech + Giveaway!

YA Fantasy

Date Published: 6/7/11

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 44 black and white illustrations by the author and artist. Approx. 80,000 words or 320 pages in paperback.

Well, there is no doubt that author and illustrator Selina Fenech has a gift, or I guess I should say gifts.  :)  To be able to combine illustrations with a book in YA format is really cool.  Super cool.  

While I enjoyed the story and the characters (which I promise I will touch on again in a minute) what I really found myself looking forward to were the pictures.  I fell in love with them.  I would be reading and wishing that there were more pictures of this particular scene or that particular scene.  When I did turn a page and get a picture it was like Christmas.  Here is one of the pictures so  you can see what I mean.  

You can actually see lots more of the pictures on the author's website which is listed below after her bio.

As for the story, I enjoyed it.  It wasn't quite as gripping as some YA fantasy books I've read but it was a good solid story.  The characters were well defined and distinct and I had a good time hanging out with them.

I liked how the story unfolded with Memory.  Just a bit at a time.  It was engaging and it really picked up speed as the story went along.  I know the second book is already out so I'm hoping to be able to pick that up sometime soon and continue on with Memory and crew.  I'm hoping for something good between Will and Memory.  :)

Content:  A moderate amount of swearing.

Author Bio:
Born in 1981 to Australian and Maltese parents, Selina lives in Australia with her husband, daughter, 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.

Contact Links:

Website

https://twitter.com/selinafenech

https://www.facebook.com/selinafenechart

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