Tuesday, January 20, 2015

The Mime Order Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

THE MIME ORDER
The Bone Season #2
Samantha Shannon
Urban Fantasy/Dystopian
528 pages
Bloomsbury
Available January 27th
Source: ARC from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Amazon)
Paige Mahoney has escaped the brutal penal colony of Sheol I, but her problems have only just begun: many of the fugitives are still missing and she is the most wanted person in London.
As Scion turns its all-seeing eye on Paige, the mime-lords and mime-queens of the city’s gangs are invited to a rare meeting of the Unnatural Assembly. Jaxon Hall and his Seven Seals prepare to take center stage, but there are bitter fault lines running through the clairvoyant community and dark secrets around every corner.

Then the Rephaim begin crawling out from the shadows. But where is Warden? Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of Camden, until the fate of the underworld can be decided. Will Paige know who to trust? The hunt for the dreamwalker is on.

MY THOUGHTS
The Mime Order, much like The Bone Season, is a touch overwhelming in the beginning, a deluge of unfamiliar terminology hitting us immediately as we pick up with Paige at the exact moment we left her, and we can't help but struggle to find our footing in the first few chapters (for those who are smarter than me, Samantha has a handy refresher post to help you before you dive in). It's a fair amount of time before we're given an oh-so brief review of Paige's time in Sheol I as she recounts it for two of her friends, and so we spend much of the first hundred or so pages trying to remember the finer details of this world, its vast history, and Paige's role in the middle of all of it. That being said however, Ms. Shannon kicks everything up several notches in the remaining two thirds of this tale, introducing us to the inner workings of the corrupt syndicate and further developing the stunningly layered relationship between Paige and Warden.

The slower pace of the first third can be largely attributed to the fact that Paige, understandably, slides right back into her previous life, the smart, strong, fighter of a girl who refused to be cowed by the Rephaim in Sheol I returned to a quieter young woman who does her Mime Lord's bidding with only a mere grumble to show her dissatisfaction. It's made clear to us how few options Paige has available to her though, and how ultimately the status afforded her as Jaxon's Mollisher will get her a far cry further on the road to change than if she clung tight to her pride went her own way, so her decisions, while difficult to swallow at times, make sense. Once Warden reenters the picture though, Paige's fight returns, his presence sparking the same rebellious fire in her it did before, pushing her to be the strongest and most powerful–physically, emotionally and mentally–version of herself possible.

As was the case with The Bone Season, Paige's relationship with Warden is one of highlights of this second installment. Warden's inhumanity is made clear to us time and again, but it's always beautifully contrasted by quiet moments with Paige; moments that warm the chill created by the cool indifference of his kind. Their path to happiness together is one blocked by every type of barrier imaginable–the two of them separated by a bottomless chasm of differences–but for all the ways they're different, they're also both outcasts and reluctant leaders, struggling to right a world gone so very wrong. They see one another with a stark honesty to which those around them are blind, and though what they have is too jaggedly misshapen (and all the more fascinating for it) to fit in a neatly labeled romantic box, it brings a warm flush to our skin and a smile to our faces nonetheless.

Overall, The Mime Order takes a little while to settle into, the politics of the syndicate and the sheer vastness of a futuristic London keeping us from reengaging with Paige's story the way we'd like, but before long the tide of power among the Mime Lords begins to shift and we can do nothing but hang on for the ride. We're left with a revelation that leaves us with our lips curled up in one corner, part-grimace and part wicked smile as we look forward to what this new piece of information will mean for the events of book three.


Rating: 4/5

 Find Samantha

This book was sent to me free of charge by the publisher for the purpose of a review
I received no other compensation and the above is my honest opinion.

• • • • • • • • • • • • 

BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY


As part of the tour, the hugely creative team at Bloomsbury asked us all to send in a picture of ourselves so we could have an aura added to them. For those who haven't read this series, those with certain special clairvoyant abilities are, thanks to Paige's Mime Lord, divided into seven distinct orders. Each order has a specific aura associated with it:

I. SoothsayersPurple – Require ritual objects called numa to connect with the æther
II. Augurs Blue – Use organic matter, or elements, to connect with the æther
III. MediumsGreen – Connect with the æther through spiritual possession
IV. SensorsYellow – Privy to the æther on a sensory and linguistic level
V.  Guardians Orange – Have a higher degree of control over spirits
VI.  FuriesOrange-red – Subject to internal change when connecting with the aether
VII. Jumpers Red – Able to affect the aether outside their own physical limits

As I'm a HUGE fan of Paige, I went with a red aura to match hers. And since I don't care for pictures of me by myself, I sent Bloomsbury the photo of me and Griffin that I use for all blog-related things. I didn't realize until after they'd sent the image back however that I'd provided them with the smallest picture EVER, so good luck trying to see us. I had to laugh though, teeny tiny Griffin and I with our red and magenta fluffy auras (Griffin is very lion-like, he would approve) just brought a smile to my face:

    (Yes, that's seriously the size of the photo I sent them. So sorry, Bloomsbury.)

I'm lucky enough to have a copy of The Mime Order to give away on the blog today, so yay! If you haven't had the chance to start this series yet, I can't recommend it enough:) To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to US addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Don't forget to check out the remaining stops on the tour!

(click to enlarge)

59 comments:

  1. I remember all the nice reviews for this one and book 1 and we even have the first one in French but I still need to try that. I should one day, I'm quite curious.

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    1. I hope you give this series a try Melliane, it's a favorite of mine:)

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  2. I need to read book 1, the library has it

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  3. I love this book and your review! Your reviews are all so well-written I feel like anything I say is inadequate! Just, I agree with you on all of it and more :D

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    1. Thanks so much Eileen! I always struggle with the reviews for the books I love the most:)

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  4. Ahh I am so excited for this book! I'm so glad that you found this one to be just as fantastic.

    Lovely review, Jenny <33

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    1. This world is super complex and hard to wrap my head around at times, but the characters are outstanding and I can't wait for the next book!

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  5. I still need to read the first book, Jenny, but the worldbuilding in this series sounds layered and complex. Too often authors don't have enough details about their world.

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    1. This world is definitely NOT lacking in detail Z! It's nice there's a glossary in the back for reference, definitely a big help in finding your footing:)

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  6. I'm really excited to hear you enjoyed this, Jenny. I'm going to keep what you said about the first 1/3 of the book being overwhelming so I can prepare myself for it. Even though I don't understand half of the world building I'm really fascinated by it. I also can't wait for more Warden! :) His romance with Paige sounds so wonderful.
    Lovely review, Jenny!

    And look at you and Griffin! Haha! That is really tiny! :D
    I would have to say I'm more of an Augurs.

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    1. I'm excited to see what you think Nick! You have the benefit of being fairly fresh just coming off the Bone Season, so you won't struggle quite as much as I did:)

      And a huge YES to more Warden. As soon as he came back into play I couldn't put this one down:)

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  7. ooooh more politics, I hope I can keep up with everything, I needed to use the front guide in the first book a lot haha. Hmm I wonder what clairvoyant abilities I would have... maybe a sensor or a furie? Is there a test I can take? lol

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    1. There's a glossary in this one too which was really helpful:) Hope you love it Ellie!

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  8. YESSSS!! That refresher from Samantha is gonna be very helpful for whenever my copy of Mime Order decides to arrive!
    So glad that although it might have taken a while to get back into the story it still managed to get a well deserved 4 stars from you.
    And from the " revelation" bit, I assume there's some sort of cliffhanger?? Oh dear, reading is gonna be the death of me!
    Great review Jenny!

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    1. It's not a cliffhanger per se (at least not in my opinion), more a pivotal piece of information that's going to play a role in future books. Nothing ulcer-inducing ;-)

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  9. We had VERY similar thoughts on this book. The first half of this novel was sooooo slow. Painfully slow. Going back to Jaxon just wasn't compelling after all the danger Paige faced in Sheol. I think we should have gotten the first half in flashbacks to cut time. It just took her forever to make decisions! BUT I agree that Warden is a shining part of this story! I actually thought he'd be gone for most of this story, since the series is long, but I was thrilled to have him back. They have such a supportive strong but also swoony relationship. I love how Warden pushes and encourages Paige and they ways she also cares for him. The last quarter is so much fun! But it took forever to get there. I don't think I can handle 7 books if they're like this. But I'm hoping the next one is going to be a rush from start to finish. Great review!

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    1. *high five*

      Warden will always be my favorite part of this story (well, the two of them together), though I am a little stressed as to how things will go for them in the 5 remaining books. This doesn't seem like the type of series where the heroine bounces from one guy to the next depending on the book, so I'm not worried about anything overly angst-y between them. I'm more worried they're going to get pulled apart again and I might cry a little if that happens.

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  10. I really want to read this but I am scared I will be lost at the same time. I don't always do well with intricate stories and the fact that this is going to be a seven book series has me thinking maybe I should wait.

    I don't know, I am so tempted to start this series though after seeing all the great reviews for this and the first book.

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    1. The world is complex for sure Ali, but the characters and story will suck you in I promise! I hope you give The Bone Season a try:)

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  11. I really liked the first one but have read some mixed reviews on this second one so far. Which just means that I need to read it and judge for myself! (That is one tiny, kind of creepy aura photo, Jenny. Sorry!)

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    1. It gets off to a slow start, but I was glued to the pages when Warden came back and everything for Paige started shifting. Loved it Mary!

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  12. I still haven't read the first book, but I've heard from some people that it can be quite slow and very overwhelming at times. But then the second half the book is really amazing. I can't wait to start this series. Great review, Jenny!

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    1. I think this is a series where it's a good idea to refresh yourself on the prior book before diving in. I failed to do that and it took me a little longer to get my bearings as a result. I just love these books though!

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  13. Such a thoughtful and eloquent review, Jenny! I agree that the romance was one of the highlights of this sequel. :D I didn't mind the slow pacing at all, because I was invested in the story and characters.

    Great review!

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    1. I didn't mind too much either, though I love Warden so much I wanted to get to where he came back. That was pretty much my sole goal in the first 200 pages. Get Paige to Warden:)

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  14. hahha that photo of you and Griffin is so adorable Jenny! Like you I really struggled with the first half of the book, I wish that I'd know about Samantha's refresher post, but towards the second half things definitely kicked off and not in the way that I was expecting at all! I was over the moon too when Warden finally made an appearance! Things have definitely ended in a way that I wasn't expecting, so I can't wait to see the path that Shannon takes us on next! :)

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    1. *snort* I can only laugh at that picture. We're ridiculous ;-)

      I wish I had known about the refresher post too, I only found it last night as I was formatting this. Fail. YAY WARDEN! I may have done a happy dance when he came back in the picture ;-)

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  15. I am actually listening to The Bone Season on audiobook right now. I think it's funny that I read the description of this one (I'm at the very end of the 1st book so it wasn't really spoilery) in an Irish accent because the audiobook is in 'Paige's' accent. The way the words are pronounced (in my head) are in that accent.
    I'm worried about her and Warden being separated. I think I'll be chomping at the bit for the two of them to meet up again. I suppose distance makes the heart fonder and all that. Hopefully it's not too far into the book when they meet up again.
    It's a bit complicated of a book and Paige drove me nuts for a good portion of The Bone Season, but I have to admire her fight and should probably focus on that instead of her stubbornness that makes me a little batty.

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    1. They're separated for about 200 pages Candace, so it's not too bad. I was worried he might not be in this book until the very end or something, but once she finds him again he remains prominent throughout:)

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  16. Oh Jenny, your review is simply gorgeous. I enjoyed The Bone Season, but it was a bit of a challenge in the first half or so. Oh, the payoff was worth it with Warden and the realm of Sheol. I think I will go into this knowing that it must be savored slowly, right? Like good wine or chocolate, and enjoy the layers of writing : )

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    1. THANK YOU!!! I'm such a big fan of this series and Samantha's ability to tell a story. I'm all about Warden, so as soon as he came back I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed:)

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  17. I agree with your assessment of this novel completely, Jenny. I really struggled to get into the beginning of this novel because of the slow start as Paige got her bearings but once the political drama of the Syndicate began to heighten and Warden re-entered the picture, this made for a gripping read. Certainly by the end I just wanted more! I hope the next novel comes out soon and starts with a bang because with the way The Mime Order ended, there's plenty of explanations to be had. Fantastic review, Jenny! :)

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    1. I'd forgotten so many of the smaller details about the world and Paige's ability in particular (all I remembered is that she could walk in other people's dreamscapes), so it took me a while to find my footing again. Plus, Paige's relationship with Warden was the most fascinating aspect to me in book one, so without him there in the beginning I didn't connect as quickly. Still, I loved it overall!!!

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  18. I am reading some great reviews for this one. I still haven't read my ARC of Bone Season. I need to get after it. I want to dive in and check out this series. I am okay with detail and slower world building as long as it pays off. Hmm... I think I would be a purple, but I don't know?

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    1. I would recommend reading both books in this series close together Heidi! You'll be in good shape then. Binge read!

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  19. I still haven't picked up the first book, Jenny. I'm afraid that I won't have the needed attention span of reading this complex world just now. I might wait to read it either during Spring or Summer Break and then read them back to back. I'm glad that this one albeit a bit slow going avoids the sophomore slump.

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    1. I hear you Rummanah! You definitely have to be in the right mood for certain books. Right now I can't deal with anything really heavy that will make me cry, I need lighter reads:)

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  20. I've been wanting to read the first book but it is also good to know that it takes some doing to really get settled. I don't think I'll do this one on audio. I have to say I love the pic of you and Griffin! You both complement each other's aura. What would mine look like? Probably a big ol' mess. LOL

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    1. Hahaha thank you, Griffin is way more photogenic than I am ;-) Hope you get a chance to try this series soon Melissa!

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  21. I'm really excited to read The Mime Order because I really enjoyed The Bone Season. Thanks for the great review and the giveaway!!

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  22. I think my aura would be purple or blue. I'm not really sure. This series is really good and kind of a surprise and it took me longer to read it than I would have liked. I look forward to reading the sequel.

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  23. I'm dying to read this book! i absolutely loved The Bone Season, though I'd probably need a refresher before i start this one. Oh it's too bad your giveaway is for US residences only. Anyway, awesome review, Jenny!

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  24. Perhaps yellow, although I haven't read The Bone Season yet so I'm not completely sure. I got it for Christmas though so I'll be reading it very soon!!

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  25. I was NOT excited to read The Bone Season, but so many people told me I had to, so I finally caved. OMG IT WAS SO GOOD. I cannot wait for The Mime Order.

    Also, I think I would be a yellow.

    What a great (and exciting!) giveaway.

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  26. happy to see you loved this book, and thanks for the giveaway :)

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  27. thanks for the wonderful spotlight and giveaway! I think I'd like to be red too! Thanks for sharing!

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  28. I have The Bone Season checked out from the library--with The Mime Order coming out soon, it seems to be the smartest time to start reading it!

    Thanks for hosting the giveaway :) Hearing about Warden made me hopeful for this installment and series.

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  29. I couldn't find a description that matched exactly so I'm going with purple myself. Thanks for the chance to win The Mime Order.

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  30. I've got my copy of this and can't wait to get started on it! I'm very nervous about that ending revelation though.....I hope I can stand the wait for the next one! Lovely review!

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  31. I think my aura would be blue, which also happens to be my favorite color! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  32. I think I'll go with Yellow. I'm looking forward to reading this book, it's on my TBR list.

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  33. I would probably be a Fury (hopefully be a berserker) thanks for the awesome giveaway :D

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  34. There seems to be a lot of different elements to this story that are worth being prepared for. For example, prepared for the overwhelmingness at the beginning and the slow pace in first third. But after that it sounds like things pick up nicely!

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