Six Degrees of Separation - Book Style (3)

It's time to look back at some of the books I read in October, Six Degrees style! As usual, I've read all of these books in the past month, and their similarities are elements that stood out to me.

How is Tiger's Destiny related to Quintana of Charyn?

For this installment of  Six Eight Degrees of Separation, I am taking you from Tiger's Destiny - the book I rated the lowest this month - to my favorite book, Quintana of Charyn. (The books between them are not in order of ranking.) 

For some reason most of my comparisons this month seem to be higher concepts, instead of simple themes. There are also several death themes - don't think on that too strongly. Oh dear, I'm now connecting my themes to each other. Sometimes I can't shut off my brain. 

NOTE: I've stuck to my no spoilers rule, so you're safe to read these even if you haven't read the books. (Unless I say SPOILER)

India and Indian culture are major settings and themes in both Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck and The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna. (The Evolution of Mara Dyer also features this theme, though less heavily).

The Lost Girl and The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson both include major characters whom we only really get to know after they have died. These characters greatly affect the action of their book, and neither story could happen without them. (Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is my all time favorite book that features this theme).

The tragic death of a family member(s) is the launching point for both The Sky is Everywhere and Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter. Although that sounds rather morbid, the losses are a catalyst that causes both of these heroines to step out of the shadows and become something more. 

Alice in Zombieland and The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle both star narrators that have lived very sheltered lives, whom are all of a sudden thrust into the front lines of a war with an evil being - zombies in the former, vampires in the latter. Interestingly, there is a spiritual/religious aspect to both of these creatures' mythologies. I wouldn't want to meet either of these beings in a dark alley - or ever. 

The female narrators in The Hallowed Ones and Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier are expected to follow the rules set out for them. But they are both questioners and choose their own paths instead. In each case this led me to greatly admire the quiet inner strength that shines out of them. Also both of their love interests have tattoos that play an important role in their stories. (Bonus: Notice the birds on the covers - more on that below.)

Both Son of the Shadows and The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa explore the concept of what happens to the characters left behind when the protagonist of a previous book/series gets their happy ending. Often the answer is complicated. Both stories made me look differently at the glowing conclusion of the previous books. 

The Lost Prince and Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta feature powerful Queens who had to fight to gain the positions that they have. And let us not forget their sexy loyal Consorts. Although not necessarily the main characters in these books, these stories could not be told without both Queen and Consort (thank goodness for that).

BONUS ROUND!

Lucid by P.T. Michelle, The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle, The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater and Son of the Shadows by Juliet Mariller all feature raven mythology. It's a very popular bird this month. If you see one flying around, something big might be about to happen to you too.

Do you ever make these types of connections between the books you read?

See any additional connections between the books I've listed?