I’m not a big fantasy reader, but one of the fantasy writers I love is Kristin Cashore. Her Graceling Realm companion books are YA classics filled with amazing worldbuilding and memorable characters. I was intrigued when I heard that she was writing something that wasn’t fantasy. I’m not sure what genre to call this — it’s genre-bending, for sure. Check out my Review of Jane Unlimited
Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore
To be published on September 19, 2017 by Kathy Dawson Books
Synopsis (adapted from Goodreads): Jane has lived an ordinary life, raised by her aunt Magnolia. Jane counted on Magnolia to make the world feel expansive and to turn life into an adventure. But Aunt Magnolia was lost a few months ago in Antarctica on one of her expeditions. Now, with no direction, a year out of high school, and obsessed with making umbrellas that look like her own dreams (but mostly just mourning her aunt), she is easily swept away by Kiran Thrash—a glamorous, capricious acquaintance who shows up and asks Jane to accompany her to a gala at her family’s island mansion called Tu Reviens.
With nothing but a trunkful of umbrella parts to her name, Jane ventures out to the Thrash estate. Then her story takes a turn, or rather, five turns. What Jane doesn’t know is that Tu Reviens will offer her choices that can ultimately determine the course of her untethered life. But at Tu Reviens, every choice comes with a reward, or a price.
Review of Jane, Unlimited
I really enjoy a book that tries something new and innovative, and Jane, Unlimited definitely does. The book starts off as a story about an orphaned young girl who is taken in by a family who lives in a rambling old mansion. The book includes some of the requisite gothic elements: the stern housekeeper, strange omens and portents, and an air of mystery.
As Jane tries to get to the bottom of the mysterious goings-on in the house, the the book splits into multiple narratives in different genres. So, as Jane investigates each aspect of the mystery, the book branches into a new genre.
There’s a mystery section, a sci-fi section and a fantasy/paranormal section. This seems at once like a nod to the multiverse (which the book alludes to) and a sort of sly wink at 1980s-era Choose Your Own Adventure books.
Taken alone, I felt that some of the sub-sections worked better than others. But they also built on each other (you read them one after the other – this is not a true CYOA book where you skip around). And I liked what (I think ) the book was trying to say about the nature of life, and choice, and storytelling choices.
Weirdly, this is the second book in a month I’ve read that uses a CYOA format AND that also has a “Jane” title — I reviewed Young Jane Young last week.
This is not a quick and easy read, but I think it’s a worthwhile one!
Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I have been reading mixed reviews about this book. I love the whole “choose your own adventure” thing but I’m not overly sure if this book is for me. I think I will just wait for my library to get a copy. 🙂
Kristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous
Hope you do get a chance to try it!
I’ve been seeing a lt of advance buzz for this one. It seems to be heavily promoted. The narrative definitely sounds unique but I feel a little iffy about it. If I decide to give this one a try it will probably be a library loan.
It’s definitely unique – hope you try it! If so, let me know what you think!
I’m a huge Kirstin Cashore fan so I’ve been really looking forward to this one. I feel like people have either been loving it or falling somewhere in between love and hate…so I’m curious to see where I’ll fall. I am excited to hear about the gothic elements though! Great review, Jen!
Same – and if you enjoy the gothic elements, stay tuned. I’m going to be doing a post that highlights those for the blog tour!
I kinda wanted to read Graceling so this author is a little familiar to me. I love the sound of the multiverse elements and the CYOA thing, which is always a favorite of mine. 🙂
Oh, good! I hope you do try it then!
What an interesting format! We’ve waited so long for a new Kristin Cashore book, it just had to be something extraordinary. I’m honestly not sure how I’ll feel about it in the end, but I can’t wait to find out. Luckily, my copy is on its way.
I look forward to reading your review!
I have never read a CYOA book that sounds so strange to me. How do you do that with a physical book?? *confused*
For What It’s Worth
Really? So in a traditional CYOA, you’re reading along and the character has a choice to make. Like, “You are home alone and hear a spooky noise outside the house. If you want to open the door, turn to page 26. If you go hide under the bed, turn to page 28.”
This review is encouraging. Most of the reviews have not been complementary and I was really looking forward to this book. I thought the approach was very original, and I am glad it worked for you.
Was just talking to a blogger friend about how so many similar books blur together, so I definitely appreciate the originality!
I’d seen the cover around on a few blogs but truthfully didn’t know much about it. I’ve never come across this kind of format for a book before, so that intrigues me. It sounds like you liked it well enough!
It’s really different!