| Currently Reading |
- Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake
|
| Rating Definitions |
| Rating Scale
If you have reviewed a book that I have reviewed here, please feel free to email me your link, and I will add the link to the bottom of my review. Happy reading!
|
| My Library |
|
|
| 1st in a Series Challenge |
|
| Chunkster Challenge 2008 |
|
| Graphic Novels Challenge |
|
| Jane Austen Mini Challenge |
|
| Short Story Reading Challenge |
|
| 2008 TBR Challenge |
Alternates to TBR Challenge
|
|
| Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |
| Lost Prince by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro |
First Sentence: Oh the flames were glorious, competing with the splendor of the sunset as it faded over Valladolid.
Lost Prince by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Borderlands Press, 2008
Fiction; 316 pgs
The Spanish Inquisition was a dark time in Spain’s history. Religious persecution for those who were not Catholic was common practice during that time and the monarchy and Church leadership were intolerant of any deviation from their strictures. Originally written in 1983 under the title, The Godforsaken, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro’s tale of the Lost Prince is completely fictional, however, there are threads of truth that run through the novel that are more horrific than the horror story she sets out to tell. Don Rolon carries the burden of his father’s curse, a curse that was laid upon El Rey Alonzo, the king of Espana, by a woman burned at the stake for being a heretic. The king ostracized his son, fearing the curse and feeling repulsed by it. Don Rolon spent his life living in the shadow of his bastard half brother, Gil, who was highly favored by the king. It is no wonder then that Don Rolon has a sadness about him. He wants nothing more than to please his father and earn his love and approval, and yet his father wants little to do with him. Realizing, however, that his son is the only rightful heir to the throne, El Rey arranges for Don Rolon’s marriage to a noble woman from Venezia. The marriage will create a welcome alliance and strengthen both countries’ positions in the world. It is with great reluctance that Don Rolon agrees to his fate, knowing he has little choice in the matter. His reluctance to marry comes from the weight of the curse. He worries about fate of any children he might father as well as a certain madness that seems to befall him each time the moon is full. Although he does not fully understand what is happening to him at first, he does know that a change overcomes him on those nights, one that transforms him into a beast that wrecks destruction and creates fear in its wake. Don Rolon is limited in who he can trust and so his friends are few. The friends he does have are devoted to him and will do what they can to protect and keep their prince safe from those who wish him harm. Those who are greedy and power hungry are the greatest external threat to Don Rolon and they will stop at nothing to bring him down. Don Rolon is a sympathetic character; a lost soul who has taken many licks throughout his brief lifetime. There is a wary intelligence about him. He is resigned to his life and his fate, struggling to come to terms with what is going on around him. It is his friends who truly move the story forward as they do what they can to protect their friend and future king. The court jester, Lugantes, is one such friend, a dwarf who knows what it is like not to be taken seriously. He is both clever and tough. The religious tenor in Spain at the time was oppressive and strict. The church leadership in the novel used their position to gain power, claiming righteousness where there really was only ambition and greed. The real horrors were in the actions of the Church and the abuse of that power. Lest it be thought that this book disparages the Catholic Church in general, that is not so. There were Catholic monks and priests in the novel who were not caught up in the power struggle and who did not abuse their power. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is careful to keep most of the violence and destruction off of the page, while at the same time alluding to it in such a way that it cannot be overlooked. Perhaps though the greatest horrors in the novel are not what may happen when Don Rolon is no longer himself, but the ease in which accusations and condemnations of those in power are used against those without it and in what becomes of those accused. It is a shame this book was so wrought with typographical errors and the like. The story itself is quite intriguing. The author is formal in her writing, but it serves the tone and setting of the book well. Lost Prince is a haunting and dark tale, one that kept me entranced even beyond the last page. Originally published at Front Street Reviews.
Rating:  (Good)
Visit the author's website for more information about this and other books.Labels: Fantasy, FSR, Horror, Review |
posted by Literary Feline @ 5/13/2008 06:00:00 AM
  |
|
|
|
| Saturday, December 29, 2007 |
| Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow |
 Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow
Harper, 2008 (ARE)
Fantasy; 311 pgs
Completed: 12/28/2007
Rating: 4 Stars
First Sentence:
Let’s sing about the man there
at the breakfast table
brown skin, thin features, white T,
his olive hand making endless circles
in the classifieds
“wanted” “wanted” “wanted”
small jobs little money
but you have to start somewhere.
Reason for Reading: After reading a brief synopsis of the book, I was curious about the book and requested to review it through Harper Collins First Look Program.
From the Publisher: An ancient race of lycanthropes has survived to the present day, and its numbers are growing as the initiated convince L.A.'s down-and-out to join their pack. Paying no heed to moons, full or otherwise, they change from human to canine at will, and vice versa — and they're bent on dominance at any cost.
Comments: I actually had no idea Sharp Teeth was a novel-in-verse until it arrived in the mail and I was thumbing through it. Rather than be put off by the unexpected format, I decided to embrace it. While not beautiful in prose, Toby Barlow does have a gift for language. The author takes a more straightforward, at times harsh, approach, which matches the dark and gritty tone of the book. It is quite effective and perfect for the tale the author has to tell, and it flows naturally.
The story itself is quite entertaining and suspenseful. Anthony is a down and out man who takes a job with animal control when no other options work out. He quickly finds he prefers the dogs to his coworkers. The grisly murder of one of the other dogcatchers draws the attention of the police, in particular Detective Peabody who soon finds himself on an unexpected trail that has attracted the attention of a mysterious caller. Meanwhile, the remaining members of Lark’s pack are trying to make their way as best they know how after being attacked by a new rival gang. It is down to a game of survival. The rising gang of lycanthropes holds quite a few of the cards; they have no bones about leaving carnage in their wake. A young woman is desperate to get revenge for the devastation wreaked on her pack many years before, and a powerful man is determined that the revenge instead will be his. Each of the story threads running through the novel are interconnected, weaved together seamlessly. They all come together for a hair-raising finale that had me gripping the book tight in my hand.
The characters themselves are what make the story; they are complex and broken, and yet still very powerful by their very nature, even dangerous. Each in their own way they are trying to find a way to survive and come out on top. I was most drawn to the character of Annie, a young surfer girl who had suffered much, and yet she still kept coming back, trying to regain what she once had lost and build anew.
Sharp Teeth is a remarkable novel. It is daring in style and full of soul. And to think I might not have even requested the book had I known it was a novel-in-verse. I look forward to seeing what else Toby Barlow has to offer in the future.
Favorite Part: My favorite scene in the novel was when two of the lycanthropes in their dog form stop at a puddle for a drink; one had been chasing the other, and both were exhausted from the chase. This is one of those scenes you best understand if you have read the book, I am afraid.Labels: Fantasy, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 12/29/2007 11:00:00 AM
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, December 27, 2007 |
| The Mysteries by Lisa Tuttle |
 The Mysteries by Lisa Tuttle
Bantam, 2005
Fantasy, 321 pgs
Completed: 12/26/2007
Rating: 3.5 Stars
First Sentence: The strangest memory of my childhood concerns my father’s disappearance.
Reason for Reading: This is my final selection for the TBR Challenge and the 2nds Challenge.
From the Publisher: Ever since his father disappeared when he was nine years old, Ian Kennedy has had a penchant for stories about missing people–and a knack for finding them. Now he’s a private investigator with an impressive track record. But when a woman enters his London office and asks him to find her lost daughter, Ian faces a case he fears he cannot solve–and one he knows he must.
Laura Lensky’s stunning twenty-one-year-old daughter, Peri, has been missing for over two years–a lifetime, under the circumstances. But when Ian learns the details of her disappearance, he discovers eerie parallels to an obscure Celtic myth–and to the haunting case that launched his career, an early success he’s never fully been able to explain. Though Ian suspects Peri may have chosen to vanish, his curiosity leads him to take on the search. Soon he finds himself drawing not only from the mysteries that have preoccupied his adulthood, but from the fables and folklore that pervaded his youth. What follows is a journey that takes Ian and those who care for Peri into the Highlands of Scotland, as the unknowns of the past and present merge in the case–and in their lives.
Comments: I first came across this book in a publisher’s newsletter two years ago and was intrigued by the premise and so scooped up a copy of the book quickly. But as often happens with my books, it sat on the shelf awhile, until the right moment came to give it a whirl. I actually ended up reading another of the author’s books first, Silver Bough, earlier this year.
As with Silver Bough, Lisa Tuttle eases the reader into the more fantastical elements of The Mysteries slowly. She weaves Celtic myth into her tale seamlessly, creating an intriguing and eerie story. The Mysteries is a fantasy novel and a mystery all rolled into one. Bit by bit, the author brings the pieces of the puzzle together, never failing to leave the reader in wonder and sometimes even in awe.
The characterizations seemed somehow murky at times with even the protagonist not being quite fully fleshed out. And yet, it seemed sort of fitting given the story. The fairies and their kin always seemed to lurk just beyond the mist or in the dark, and the author, even in when writing about the “real” world, was able to capture that sort of atmosphere, as if the two were not all that different, and yet still worlds apart.
I know so little about Celtic folklore, and yet Lisa Tuttle’s novels never fail to entice me and make me wish I knew more. The Mysteries did not captivate me quite as much as Silver Bough did; however, I definitely plan to read more by this author.
Favorite Parts: I especially enjoyed going back in time with Ian as he remembered his first visit to Scotland and his search for Amy. I took a liking to the character of Fred, and wanted to know more about her.
My second favorite part of the novel was when Laura and Ian are on their own, searching for Peri. Laura’s bag begins to move and what emerges was unexpected and yet so fitting. Everything that happened in the novel had a reason, even if the reason was not always clear.Labels: 2nds Challenge, Fantasy, Review, TBR Challenge |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 12/27/2007 03:21:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Monday, December 03, 2007 |
| The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes |
 The Somnambulist by Jonathan Barnes
William Morrow, 2008 (ARE)
Fiction; 353 pgs
Completed: 11/30/2007
Rating: 3 Stars
First Two Sentences: Be warned. This book has no literary merit whatsoever.
Reason for Reading: This was a Harper Collins selection I was chosen to review through the publisher’s First Look Program. The description of the book intrigued me, and so I thought I would give it a try.
From the Publisher: The Somnambulist follows the extraordinary tale of Edward Moon, stage magician and detective, and his silent sidekick the somnambulist. A bizarre series of murders unsettles turn-of-the-century London, but as Moon begins to investigate, he realizes it is only the beginning: nourished by blood and poetry, an eerie uprising grows among the very roots of the city.
Comments: The first paragraph of the novel instantly had my attention. I knew I was in for something different. It is difficult to describe a book like this. It isn’t quite what one might expect from the description offered by the publisher. It certainly is a bit of a detective story, but it also flows over into the macabre and fantastic.
Edward Moon, stage magician and detective, is bored of doing magic tricks and reading minds. He has not faced a memorable foe in a very long time, and so even while he pretends to be quite reluctant, he agrees to help the police solve a rather unusual and gruesome murder. What unfolds is a dark and magical tale, one fraught with horrors and conspiracy galore.
The characters lean toward bizarre and unbelievable, just as the narrator warns readers at the beginning of the book. Of course, this is what makes them all the more interesting. There is the albino, Skimpole, who nobody seem to like; the ugly man, Thomas Cribb, who is knows much more than he is able to say; the giant, milk guzzling Somnambulist who does not speak; Miss Grossmith, the ever faithful housekeeper; Barabbas the Fiend, who is quite crazed while still brilliant; Mrs. Puggsley, the brothel madam, who serves a clientele with rather special tastes; and Edward Moon, who is past his prime but is not quite ready to let the world forget him.
The narrator’s voice throughout the book is entertaining to say the least. The narrator, however unreliable, was witty and amusing, even with his asides that sometimes had me rolling my eyes. “I expect by now that your disbelief is not so much suspended as dangling from the highest plateau of credulity.” [p334] And with that quote, I found myself nodding in complete agreement.
Although I take no issue with the choice in narrator and actually think it makes for a more interesting twist to the story, my opinion of the narrator was not so high after learning his true identity. The mystery gone and the motive clear, the narrator seemed rather ordinary. Perhaps that was exactly what the author intended.
The Somnambulist is quirky, dark and utterly entertaining. Jonathan Barnes has written a novel that at times will confound the reader and yet everything comes together in the end in unexpected ways. This was one book in which I never guessed what might happen next.
Favorite Part: Thomas Cribb. I was fascinated by his story and quite intrigued by his life. To say exactly what it was about him that most attracted me to the character would be to give too much away, unfortunately.
Least Favorite Part: I wish I knew more about the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Although knowing nothing about him did not hurt my enjoyment or understanding of events in the book, I do think that knowing more about his life, including his vision of Pantisocracy, might have enhanced my reading experience.Labels: Fantasy, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 12/03/2007 05:32:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, July 29, 2007 |
| Stardust by Neil Gaiman |
 Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Perennial, 1999
Fantasy; 250 pgs
Completed: 07/29/2007
Rating: 4 Stars
First Sentence: There was once a young man who wished to gain his Heart’s Desire.
Reason for Reading: For years I have been curious about Neil Gaiman’s Stardust but it took the coming of a movie to finally motivate me to read it. This is my first selection for the Saturday Review Challenge.
Comments: What a wonderful story! I had no idea what to expect when I first began reading Stardust other than what the back of the book had to offer (and the recent movie trailer for the upcoming film). I had heard that Neil Gaiman’s writing in this book was quite different from his others, and while I have only read one other book by Mr. Gaiman, I can at least say it was very different from American Gods, which I read earlier this year.
Different is not a mark of better or worse, however. Stardust was delightful and entertaining, while American Gods was darker and more thought provoking. I was reminded of William Goldman’s The Princess Bride in story and in style.
Tristran Thorn lives in the village of Wall at the turn of the Victorian era. Wall is situated next to the wall that separates the land of Faerie from Tristran’s home in the “real” world. Once every nine years, there is a magical fair in which visitors from all over venture past the wall, through a single gate, into the meadow that lies just beyond. At all other times, the gate is guarded to ensure that no one crosses the gate from Wall into the Faerie.
When a star falls from the sky, Tristran promises the lady he loves that he will retrieve it for her in exchange for whatever his heart desires, be it marriage or perhaps simply a kiss. He sets off for the other side of the wall where he will encounter people and creatures of myth and face challenges unlike any other. As it turns out, Tristran is not the only one looking for the star. There are others who seek it out for darker purposes.
Stardust is both a love story and a coming of age story. Uncomplicated in his prose, creating a quick and rather lighthearted story smattered with darkness here and there, Neil Gaiman has fashioned an unforgettable fairy tale that will no doubt remain one of my favorites.
Favorite Part: I liked the hairy little man quite a bit. The book doesn’t go into depth about the characters, which works well for the story and the style in which Gaiman wrote the story. Just the same, I would not have minded learning more about some of the mysterious creatures and beings Tristran encounters along the way.
Miscellaneous: Anjin and I are enjoying the second season of The Wire on DVD. The second season is just as good as the first. One of my favorite characters died in an episode we watched today. I knew it was coming, but it still made me sad.
We also saw the movie Hairspray this weekend, the new musical version, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but then, I am a big fan of musicals. It was very uplifting and definitely worth seeing in the theater.Labels: Fantasy, Review, Saturday Review Challenge 2007 |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 7/29/2007 05:00:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, July 22, 2007 |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling |
 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Arthur A. Irvine Books, 2007
Fantasy (YA); 759 pgs
Completed: 07/22/2007
Rating: 4 Stars
First Sentence: The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane.
Comments: After going back and forth for days about whether to attend the midnight release, Anjin and I decided to go. Events like this do not happen very often, and this being the last of the Harry Potter books, who knows when a book will garner such treatment again. And so, after a dinner out on the town, we stopped in at the local Barnes and Noble and picked up a wristband. Already people were arriving, some in costume. With about four hours to kill, we went home and returned around 11:30 p.m. to a store that was packed full with people. It was impossible to move without elbowing someone or having to step over someone sitting on the floor in the aisles. There were people of all ages and from all walks of life. I saw several Hogwarts’ students dressed in school uniforms, a couple of Tonks, fans of Ron's proudly wearing their "I love Ron" T-shirts, and several other random characters scattered here and there. Had we arrived earlier, I imagine there would have been activities set up for the children as the ads had promised. Upon on arrival though, all we could find was a photo station where people could have their photo taken with a life-size Voldemort doll.
Just after midnight, the first book was sold. It was held up by its new owner at the request of the crowds waiting their turn. Applause broke out amongst the masses. The time had come. Staff at the store should be commended for how well organized they were at getting the books out come midnight. Anjin and I were in the 5th group 50, and we had our book in hand by 12:30 a.m.
We saw a couple of sleeping children, one using books as his pillow, another lying against the front windows, waiting for their parents or older siblings. People were already reading the book as we walked out, some sitting outside by themselves with the book propped open on their knees or they were sitting in their car sneaking a peek before driving home.
Other than looking inside at the cover flap, my book remained unread until the next day. I desperately needed sleep and knew that if I tried to read Harry Potter in bed, I would not make it far. And so, Saturday was devoted to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I set up camp on the couch and lost myself in Harry's world.
Without giving too much away, J.K. Rowling’s latest novel was the perfect ending to a great series. While tears welled up in my eyes for fallen friends, there were many more tears shed for the happy moments, of which there were plenty.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows continues with the story of Harry's quest to find and destroy Voldemort's horcruxes, a task Dumbledore had set him out on during the previous book. Harry is joined by his two friend Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, who have stood by his side throughout the entire series. Their mission tests the boundaries of their friendship and their will, causing them doubt themselves and each other, while at the same time making them stronger. Readers are given a window into Dumbledore's past, which seemed very fitting for this final book. I like that J.K. Rowling humanizes even the greatest of her characters, reminding readers that no one is without flaws or having made wrong choices.
I have many thoughts swirling around in my head about the book and would love to hear the thoughts of others who have read it. At this moment, I am anxiously awaiting my husband's completion of the book now so he and I can discuss it at length, and hopefully some of my online yahoo groups will be discussing it more fully as well. There's so much to talk about! Please be advised that the comment section may include spoilers. Proceed with caution.
While I am sad to see the series come to an end, I do think it is time. J.K. Rowling has come a long way from when she first began writing the series. She never could have imagined the direction the books would take her life. I wish her all of the best in her future endeavors.
Read what Jeane had to say about this book:
Dog Ear DiaryLabels: Fantasy, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 7/22/2007 10:02:00 AM
|
|
|
|
| Saturday, June 09, 2007 |
| The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey |
 The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey
Baen Fantasy, 1995
Fantasy; 433 pgs
Completed: 06/09/2007
Rating: 4 Stars
First Sentence: Golden as sunlight, white-hot, the Salamander danced and twisted sinuously above the plate sculpted of Mexican obsidian, ebony glass born in the heart of the volcano and shaped into a form created exactly to receive the magic of a creature who bathed in the fires of the volcano with delight.
Reason for Reading: This is my final selection for the Once Upon a Time Challenge. I added this title to my TBR collection in October of 2004, along with a few others of this author’s books. I am a big fan of her Valdemar series and was curious to discover what other treasures she had written.
Comments: I had almost forgotten how entertaining a novel by Mercedes Lackey could be. In The Fire Rose, the author takes a favorite fairytale of mine, “Beauty and the Beast,” and adds her own flavor and spices to it.
Rosalind Hawkins, a medieval scholar, has just lost her father and learned that he was in great debt. She’s soon to be out on the streets with hardly anything to call her own. When the offer to become a governess to the two children of a wealthy railroad baron comes, it seems too good to be true. However, after careful consideration she decides to leave the city of Chicago where she grew up for the western city of San Francisco. Upon her arrival, she quickly learns that she has been deceived. There are no children to tutor, no wife to the baron and only one servant in the mansion where she now resides. She is asked to read manuscripts and texts to her employer, Jason Cameron, through a speaking tube, whose hope is that she will lead him to uncover the key that can unlock him from his prison. Rose is not the kind of woman to be kept in the dark for long. She soon puts two and two together and discovers her employer’s deep dark secret just as Jason’s enemies turn their attention to Rose.
San Francisco in the early 1900’s is the perfect backdrop for the novel. Women have their place in society but are making definite movement towards beginning their struggle for equality. Rose is a woman who has never been content in the traditional role, wanting to get a doctorate and stand on her own two feet. She wears glasses, thinks herself rather plain and is a bookworm. The perfect heroine.
Amidst the magic and glamour of wealth, there is a darker side to the novel. Mercedes Lackey takes readers into the cribs and opium dens of San Francisco’s Chinatown, the whorehouses, and slave trade of women.
The Fire Rose is a worthwhile read in more ways than one. Its touch upon history and the more fantastical elements make it an engaging novel that is difficult to put down. It is always risky to take a favorite traditional story and make it your own, however, Mercedes Lackey succeeded marvelously.
Favorite Part: It always warms my heart to read a book in which at least one of the main characters is a booklover, and so I found a kindred spirit in Rose Hawkins right from the start. I like strong female characters and Rose certainly was that—as well as intelligent. My favorite character, however, is probably Jason Cameron’s personal Salamander. Although he wasn’t much of a character in presence, his loyalty, intelligence and manner drew me to him. Of the humans, Master Pao was one of my favorites and I wish I we could have gotten more into his history. Alas, this wasn’t his story.
What better place to learn more about the author and her books than her website? Do stop by!
Miscellaneous: This week we celebrated Anjin's birthday, but because it landed on workday, we decided to extend it through the weekend. After a brief excursion to the mall, we had a birthday lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. This was only my second time ever going there. Let me just say the White Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle cheesecake is to die for. Very yummy.Labels: Fantasy, Once Upon A Time Challenge 2007, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 6/09/2007 07:58:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday, May 08, 2007 |
| Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock |
 Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock
ORB, 1984
Fantasy; 332 pgs.
Started: 04/29/2007
Completed: 05/04/2007
Rating: 3 Stars
First Sentence: Edward - You must come back to the Lodge.
Reason for Reading: This author came recommended to me by a Finnish friend. I decided the Once Upon a Time Challenge would be the perfect time to pull it off my shelf and give it a read. This is also one of my picks for the Reading Through the Decades Challenge.
From the Publisher: The mystery of Ryhope Wood, Britain's last fragment of primeval forest, consumed George Huxley's entire long life. Now, after his death, his sons have taken up his work. But what they discover is numinous and perilous beyond all expectation.
For the Wood, larger inside than out, is a labyrinth full of myths come to life, "mythagos" that can change you forever. A labyrinth where love and beauty haunt your dreams and may drive you insane.
Comments: This novel was not quite what I expected. I thought it would be more along the lines of traditional fantasy. Set in the early 1940’s in Britain, the novel has a very realistic feel to it. Steven is a war veteran who had settled in France after his release; the novel begins with his returning home after the death of his father, only to find his brother, Christian, is not quite who he once was. The woods near their life long home are not what they appear and their father’s life long obsession at what lay inside quickly lays claim to the two brothers.
I was reminded of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods to some extent. In the one novel, the belief in the gods—or lack their of—playing a large part in how they materialized and came to America, whereas in Mythago Wood, the mythagos were very much a creation of man’s belief, shaping and creating the very real life forms. Both very different and yet, somehow, very similar in their evolution.
Admittingly, I felt a bit lost in the beginning of the book as Steven begins to unravel the mysteries that fascinated his father and later his brother so much. I soon became comfortable with it, recognizing that I was on the same learning curve as the narrator and main character, Steven.
Mythago Wood held a certain intensity within each page, an underlying suspense that never let up. Robert Holdstock is an author whose work I hope to read more of in the future.
Favorite Part: Although I enjoyed the entire book, I most enjoyed my time spent in the woods in search of Christian, Steven’s brother and Guiwenneth. So much of the story was revealed during that time in the novel and the people Steven and his friend met along the way were fascinating.
Sorthalan intrigued me. There was mystery and magic about him like no other character, and I would have loved to explore more of his character. Guiwenneth’s origin story was also one that enchanted me. She was an interesting character—innocent and tough rolled into one.
Note about the Author: Visit the author's website.Labels: Decades, Fantasy, Once Upon A Time Challenge 2007, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 5/08/2007 06:37:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Sunday, May 06, 2007 |
| The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason |
 The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
Signet Eclipse, 2007
Fantasy; 347 pgs
Started: 05/05/2007
Completed: 05/06/2007
Rating: 3 Stars
First Sentence: His footsteps were soundless, but Victoria felt him moving.
Reason for Reading: I first saw mention of this book in the blogsphere and became curious about it. After reading an interview with the author on Carl V’s Stainless Steel Droppings decided reading it was a must. The Spring Reading Thing gave me the perfect excuse to finally get around to reading it, something I’d intended to back at the beginning of the year.
From the Publisher: In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy of vampire slaying, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.
Comments: The growth of this particular genre, specifically paranormal romance novels involving vampires, appears to have taken the industry by storm. Audiences are eating them up at an alarming rate. To a small extent, I too have jumped on the bandwagon. I have my favorites, I admit, and stick pretty close to them. I venture out occasionally but not always with success. And so, although I was eager to try the first of Colleen Gleason's Gardella Vampire Chronicles, a tiny part of me was worried. And yet, you wonder, with so many positive reviews by respected bloggers,how could I go wrong? In this case, I lucked out.
The Rest Falls Away is the first in what has started out as a promising series set in Regency London about a vampire slayer. Victoria Gardella Grantworth is one of the chosen, a Venator, destined to hunt vampires and ward off the evil they bring. While the idea is not a new one, Victoria herself is a charming leading lady whose adventures are bound to attract fans of the genre. She is independent, stubborn and a quick study. The men in her life are no less intriguing, each of them seductive in their own way.
As a reader who prefers more action to romance, I was relieved to see that the author found a balance between the two. Although the love story was a major component in the novel, it did not overwhelm the story.
Overall, The Rest Falls Away was an entertaining reading experience. I look forward to watching the characters in the series evolve and seeing where Colleen Gleason takes us in the next installment.
Favorite Part: I’m not much of a fashion-oriented person, but I have to say that I was quite taken with the creative ways in which Verbena made up Victoria’s hair to hid the stacks and in her design for Victoria’s fighting dress. Verbena reminded me a lot of Charlotte Pitt’s maid from one of Anne Perry’s mystery series, who is always ready to assist her mistress when there is a mystery to be solved.
Of the characters, I am most curious about Max. I normally do not care for brooding macho men, but there’s something about Max that draws me in.
A Must See: Colleen Gleason's blog
Miscellaneous: I am home at last and back in front of my computer. I am happy to say that I did not got into withdrawals at not having access to a computer for a the last few days. Still, it is good to be back. Now to catch up!
The conference in San Francisco was good. I came away satisfied and have some great ideas to share with my colleagues. The downside of the trip (there always is one when it comes to trips I take), is that my luggage, along with that of about half of the passengers on the plane, got left in San Francisco. Evidently a conveyor belt of some sort broke and no one noticed. The airline has said that our luggage will be delivered tonight right to our doorstep. Let’s hope so!Labels: Fantasy, Review, Series, Spring Reading Thing |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 5/06/2007 08:55:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Saturday, April 21, 2007 |
| American Gods by Neil Gaiman |
 American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Harper Torch, 2001
Fantasy; 592 pgs
Started: 04/15/2007
Completed: 04/21/2007
Rating: 4 Stars
First Sentence: Shadow had done three years in prison.
Reason for Reading: I picked up a copy of this book at a bookstore closeout in January of 2006. Although I have heard that American Gods is not necessarily the best new-to-Gaiman novel to read, I could not help myself. I'm sure my husband's encouragement to read it played a part as well. This is my 2nd selection for the Once Upon a Time Challenge.
From the Publisher: Shadow dreamed of nothing but leaving prison and starting a new life. But the day before his release, his wife and best friend are killed in an accident. On the plane home to the funeral, he meets Mr. Wednesday—a beguiling stranger who seems to know everything about him. A trickster and rogue, Mr. Wednesday offers Shadow a job as his bodyguard. With nowhere left to go, Shadow accepts, and soon learns that his role in Mr. Wednesday's schemes will be far more dangerous and dark than he could have ever imagined. For beneath the placid surface of everyday life a war is being fought—and the prize is the very soul of America.
Comments: There a good books that I am glad to see come to an end, the story winding down, the characters going as far as they can go in the story being told by the author. Then there are books where the characters get under my skin and even though I am anxious to see the story end so that I know what happens next, once it does reach that point, I wish it could go on just a little bit longer. I am not quite ready to say goodbye to the friends I had made during my journey through the pages. And so it was with Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.
The novel also has inspired my curiosity to find out more about the different mythology and religious aspects of the novel. Neil Gaiman brought a myriad of different cultural beliefs together for his story, and I found the tale of how the gods and mythical characters came to America fascinating. The various characters came with their quirks at times seemed over the top, however, that fit well with the story and made it even more appealing. There was mystery surrounding each one of the characters, and I found their histories quite intriguing. There are a few I would not have minded spending more time with, among them Ibis and Jacquel. My only regret with the novel is that I was not allowed to know more about a few of the more mysterious characters, although I imagine the author wanted to stick to the main story and not spend too much time running off on tangents just to please me. Imagine how long the book would have to be then!
Favorite Part: There was so much to like about the novel. Among my favorite characters is the obvious one, Shadow, who had a good heart. He was gentle in his own way and yet stood up for what he believed. He was loyal, sometimes to a fault. As stated before, I was quite enamored with Ibis and Jacquel and would not have minded spending more time with them. Bast and Whiskey Jack were among my favorites as well, and I wish I had been able to learn more about them.
Check out Neil Gaiman's website. He has his very own blog that is well worth reading if you are a fan of the author's work.
Miscellaneous: Tickets will be available tomorrow for the L.A. Times Festival of Books. Yippee! Anjin and I have gone the last two years and have enjoyed ourselves each time. This year, unlike the previous years, we will only be attending one day of the festival instead of both. I don't think either of us are feeling up to driving into the city two days in a row, fighting the traffic and the crowds.Labels: Fantasy, Once Upon A Time Challenge 2007, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 4/21/2007 11:21:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Saturday, April 07, 2007 |
| A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin |
 A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
Bantam Spectra, 1968
Fantasy; 198 pgs
Started: 04/01/2007
Completed: 04/07/2007
Rating: Good
First Sentence: The island of Gont, a single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards.
Where Book Came From: My husband’s collection of books.
Reason for Reading: I selected this little book to read for the Once Upon a Time Challenge as well as the Reading Through the Decades Challenge.
Comments: A Wizard of Earthsea is a story of a boy who comes into great power, desires more and is a fool to his pride. As a result, he tampers with magic he does not fully understand and unleashes a terrible darkness with unknown powers. The wizard Ged must undo what he created somehow in order to save himself and the world he knows.
In the first book of Ursula K. Le Guin’s series, magic is not something to be trifled with lightly. There is a balance, an equilibrium that must be maintained in order to avoid chaos or evil to come into the world. Ged is a flawed character from the start, his pride and anger his ultimate downfalls. I liked the simplicity of the story. It is not a novel that delves deeply into character development, but is more about the plot and Ged’s journey from boy to man. A Wizard of Earthsea was a nice break from my more serious reading of late, and I definitely plan to read further into the series.
Favorite Part: My favorite part of the book is when Ged is traveling towards the Court of Terrenon up through his flight from there. The pull of the stone and the behavior of the occupants of the keep, including Ged’s, made for good reading.
I also enjoyed the short time spent with the old dragon and hope that I see more of him or his kind in future books.
Check out the author's website.
Miscellaneous: Anjin and I drove into Redlands today to visit one of his favorite comic books stores. We stopped for lunch at Claim Jumper on our way home. Anjin was quick to say no when asked if we wanted dessert despite that being one of the highlights of eating at a restaurant like that. It was probably for the best. Ho hum. Still, I can't get that chocolate cream cheese pie out of my mind though.Labels: Decades, Fantasy, Once Upon A Time Challenge 2007, Review, Series |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 4/07/2007 06:19:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Wednesday, January 31, 2007 |
| A Visit to Appleton: Silver Bough by Lisa Tuttle |
 She loved the look, the heft, the weight, the smell, and the fact of books—all those miniature embodiments of other lives, other times. Thoughts and dreams preserved for posterity, to be summoned back to life through the act of reading. [pg 37, Silver Bough]
Silver Bough by Lisa Tuttle
Bantam, 2006
Fantasy; 337 pgs
Started: 01/17/2007
Completed: 01/26/2007
Rating: Good
First Sentence: Ashley Kaldis leaned her head against the cool glass and gazed through the bus window at the Glasgow streets.
Reason for Reading: I requested Silver Bough from a long list of possible books to review for Curled Up With a Good Book. I have The Mysteries sitting on my TBR shelf and have wanted to try something by the author for a while now.
Comments: Once a prosperous coastal town in Scotland, Appleton was a magical place. Famous for its apples and its traditions, Appleton has slowly been declining over the years. The orchards are gone, the tourists are fewer, and people are more likely to leave than move in.
For three American women, however, the town is exactly what they are seeking. There is nineteen-year-old Ashley Kaldis, a young woman who seeks some sort of peace and direction after the death of her best friend. She sets out to Scotland from Texas to trace her roots, learning more about her grandmother, Phemie, who fled the small town so many years before, a woman whose origins were a tightly guarded secret until her death.
Kathleen Mullaroy is recently divorced and Appleton’s new librarian. She is a take charge person who has dreams of bringing the library into the 21st Century. Kathleen takes great comfort among the books and the mysteries of the library and museum, a landmark of a building created by the town’s own Alexander Wall. The charm of the town and library drew her right in.
Nell Westray seeks refuge in Appleton after the death of her much loved husband. She and her husband had once spent some of their happiest moments in the coastal town. Nell finds comfort in her garden and among her apples, keeping to herself mostly, afraid of getting close to anyone.
When an earthquake causes a landslide on the only road into and out of town, the visitors and residents of Appleton find themselves cut off from the rest of the world. Suddenly things around Appleton begin to change; myths become reality and the ancient magicks of the area reclaim the land. Ashley, Kathleen, and Nell have front row seats to the events that are about to unfold in the lazy coastal town of Appleton. The fate of the town lies in the destiny of one very special golden apple.
From the very first moment the bus drove into Appleton, I was ready to quit my job, pack my bags and move to the quaint little coastal town. Lisa Tuttle has painted a charming and magical place with her words. The setting itself is perhaps the strongest and most well developed character. At times it overshadows the characters themselves. Appleton is a place that will draw readers in and mesmerize them. The history of the fictional town itself is fascinating. The author draws on Scottish folklore to help tell her story.
The more minor characters, although not really minor at all, make the novel even more intriguing. There is the young Mario whose family sent him to Appleton to escape his past; Graeme, the town’s postman, whose knowledge of the coastal town is boundless and whose curiosity about it is insatiable; Dave the songwriter who is the town celebrity; and the mysterious and sexy traveler who has come home after years of being away.
The magic begins in a very subtle way and gradually builds as the novel goes on. The author deftly introduces it both to the readers and her main characters, and the climax will not disappoint. Whether a reader connects with one or all of the characters in Silver Bough, there is something for everyone in this enchanting fairy tale. Originally published on Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com. © Wendy Runyon, 2007
Favorite Part: As mentioned above, I just loved the town of Appleton. I would love to wander the stacks in the library, browse through the museum and take in all the mysteries it holds. And who could resist being right on the coast? Appleton sounds like a wonderful place to settle down—if only it was real.
Note about the Author: American author Lisa Tuttle lives in Scotland with her family. In 1981, Ms. Tuttle was the first and only author to decline a Nebula award for her short story, "The Bone Flute." She had withdrawn her story before the winners had been announced (before she even knew her story would win) as a protest to the way the Nebula Awards were run and the winners selected.Labels: Fantasy, Review |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 1/31/2007 06:20:00 PM
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, December 07, 2006 |
| Review of Eragon by Christopher Paolini |
 2003, Alfred A. Knopf
509 pgs
YA Fantasy
Rating: Good +
First Sentence: Wind howled through the night, carrying a scent that would change the world.
Reason for Reading: When Eragon first hit bookstores and the online discussions more often than not sang the praises of this young writer’s epic fantasy novel, I had to get in on it. With so much else to read around me, it’s taken me a while to get to it, but with the movie being released this month, I didn’t want to put reading Eragon off any longer.
Synopsis from Amazon.com: Eragon, a young farm boy, finds a marvelous blue stone in a mystical mountain place. Before he can trade it for food to get his family through the hard winter, it hatches a beautiful sapphire-blue dragon, a race thought to be extinct. Eragon bonds with the dragon, and when his family is killed by the marauding Ra'zac, he discovers that he is the last of the Dragon Riders, fated to play a decisive part in the coming war between the human but hidden Varden, dwarves, elves, the diabolical Shades and their Neanderthal Urgalls, all pitted against and allied with each other and the evil King Galbatorix. Eragon and his dragon Saphira set out to find their role, growing in magic power and understanding of the complex political situation as they endure perilous travels and sudden battles, dire wounds, capture and escape.
Comments: It never fails that when I lose myself in a fantasy novel like this one, I wonder why I don’t read more of this genre. I love being swept up into another world, meeting mythical and fantastical people and creatures not found on this earth. Fantasy is the ultimate flight for the imagination for it takes a reader outside of what is known and familiar and into a time and place that is neither here nor now. I don’t mean urban or paranormal fantasy, which plays on the world as we know it, distorting our reality. I am talking about the more traditional quest-type fantasy (like Tolkien, for example), the stories about magic, dragons, elves, dwarves, epic sagas of those types. Although I do like the other too.
Eragon is the first book in the Inheritance Trilogy. The author was a teenager when he wrote and first published the novel, which proved to be a good marketing strategy for the publisher as many readers scrambled to see just how good this kid was. Perhaps that is part of what made me hesitate so long before pulling Eragon off my shelf. I could not help but stop and wonder if the book was good or if it was just because of who the author was. I am not naturally drawn to young adult novels, and after having been disappointed by the popular Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke, I was a little gun shy. Lemony Snicket’s series was cute but repetitive and so obviously geared toward a younger crowd. J.K. Rowling with her Harry Potter series, at that point, seemed to be a fluke. Maybe her series would be the only young adult novels I would find worth my time to read. While one book does not make a trilogy, Eragon is a promising start, and Christopher Paolini has my attention. It is no wonder the book has a readership of all ages.
The story is inspiring and the characters interesting. While Eragon was slow at times, the story moved forward at a rapid rate. The novel holds the hallmarks of many traditional fantasy novels; it’s a coming of age story about your average farm boy whose talents and destiny are unknown until that fateful day when his life is irreversibly changed and he must chose his path. Suddenly he finds himself a hero, or on the road to being one at least, and it’s a fight between good and evil. While typical in that way, the fun is in getting to know the characters, caring about them, seeing them grow both in success and failure, and living their adventures with them.
Favorite Part: Is it fair to say everything? Probably not, but Eragon was a fun book to read. I enjoyed sailing through the skies with Saphira and Eragon, lessons with Brom, traversing the Hadarac Desert, and walking the halls of Tronjheim. I guess if I had to pick a favorite part it would be the scenes with Angela and Solembum. Or maybe Arya with her grace and swiftness. But then there’s the magic, which always draws me in.
Miscellaneous: I have read mixed reviews about the second book in the trilogy, and a part of me wonders if the criticism has anything to do with the fact that The Eldest is the middle book, which means it’s the bridge between the first and final book. I am not sure I am ready to jump back into Eragon’s world just quite yet.
Read what Jeane had to say about this book:
Dog Ear DiaryLabels: Fantasy, Review, Series |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 12/07/2006 09:39:00 AM
|
|
|
|
| Thursday, August 31, 2006 |
| Review of Proven Guilty by Jim Butcher |
 2006, RoC
404 pgs
Fantasy
Rating: Very Good
First Sentence: Blood leaves no stain on a Warden’s grey cloak.
Reason for Reading: I wanted to visit with my old friend, Harry Dresden. This is by far one of my favorite series to read.
Comments: I know a handful of fellow booklovers who do not like reading book series for one reason or another. Most say that they do not enjoy having a story drawn out over many books, lose interest in the characters, and one or two have gone so far as to suggest that reading series books is a waste of time with so many different authors out there whose books they would like to try. I think they have commitment issues, myself. Seriously though, I like revisiting familiar characters—it’s almost like visiting an old friend. Most of the series books I read can stand alone if the reader is only interested in the main story line. There are usually personal or side story lines that thread throughout the books in a series. I have found, however, that I prefer to read a series in order simply for the opportunity to see the characters grow and progress through their lives. Not to mention it’s an opportunity to see an author grow as well.
With every book of the Dresden Files series I have read, I am amazed at the talent Jim Butcher has for sucking a reader in right from the start and not letting go until the very last page. His previous books have often been nonstop action and suspense. Although this latest novel is chalk full of suspense and life threatening, it also offers a moment here and there for the heart rate to stabilize before the next heart racing moment begins. This provides for the opportunity to get to know some of the regular characters a little better, delving into their relationships with Harry, including gaining insight into Charity’s obvious dislike for Harry.
Chicago’s modern day wizard, Harry Dresden, is now a Warden of the White Council, a position he never thought he would find himself in. As a warden, it is one of his jobs to enforce the Laws of Magic, laws that were designed to protect people from the misuse and abuse of magic. Often times the punishment for breaking one of the laws is death.
With the war between the Red Court vampires and the White Council raging around the world, Harry is given the secret task of trying to find out why the faeries have not joined in the fight as expected. He doesn’t relish having to interact with the Sidhe again, however, he is the only one who might be able to get to the bottom of the matter. As is typical in Harry’s world, nothing is ever simple. To complicate matters, Harry finds out that black magic is afoot in his city, and he must find and stop it before too much damage can be done. It seems that the evildoers from horror movies are coming to life, attacking and murdering people at a convention for horror movie fans. It becomes even more personal for him when the life of the daughter of his good friend Michael is threatened. Once again, Harry finds himself racing against time to come out ahead—and almost all the odds are against him.
Author Jim Butcher has delivered another great urban fantasy that had me racing through the pages to find out would happen next. I look forward to the next book in the series to see where Mr. Butcher will take me next. I just wish I didn’t have to wait so long for the next book!
Favorite Part: I adore Mouse. He’s such a great character and who wouldn’t want him on his or her side in a pinch?
Miscellaneous: When I hit the half way mark in this particular book, a hint of sadness touched my thoughts. With this book, I am all caught up in the series and will now have to wait for any new books to come out. I am eagerly awaiting the TV series that is being made based on the Dresden Files—I hope it is even half as good as the books.
Labels: Fantasy, Review, Series |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 8/31/2006 01:02:00 AM
|
|
|
|
| Saturday, July 29, 2006 |
| Review of Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn |
 2006, Warner Books
339 pgs
Fantasy
Rating: Very Good
First Sentence: “We have Beth from Tampa on the line.”
Reason for Reading: I enjoyed the first book in the series and decided to give the second one a try. I chose to read it when I did because I was looking for something a little lighter topic wise than what I’d been reading recently.
Comments: What’s not to love about Kitty? She’s not your typical werewolf heroine bent on proving how tough she is. And yet, she has a tendency to stand up for what she believes and land in dangerous situations (which isn’t all that new). Kitty is easy going, intelligent, and witty. She has an innocence about her and yet she’s had her own struggles to overcome and battles to fight over the years.
Having taken her popular radio talk show on the road, Kitty is seeing the country. When she is called to testify before the Senate about the supernatural, she makes her way to Washington D.C. She soon finds herself the guest of vampire mistress who offers her protection while in the city, and amongst a myriad of other lycanthropes, including a rather sexy were-jaguar that catches her eye. As the Senate hearing, lead by a Bible thumping Senator, gets under way, Kitty’s curiosity about the research being conducted by the Center for the Study of Paranatural Biology increases. And if that wasn’t enough, the infamous Elijah Smith, leader of the Church of the Pure Faith, is called to testify at the hearing, raising all sorts of speculation.
Being a fan of some of the paranormal literature out there today, Carrie Vaughn’s series is fast becoming a favorite. I may not be a fan of the title of the latest novel, but I definitely enjoyed the story. It was entertaining, at times funny, and suspenseful. Carrie Vaughn has created characters that I’m drawn to. Kitty, of course, is a favorite of mine. I like the interaction between Kitty and Cormac, and Ben’s a great character as well. The vampire mistress, Alette, was an interesting character; one I wouldn’t mind delving into more deeply should Carrie Vaughn ever decide to expand on her.
The comparisons between the McCarthy hearings and the hearing about the supernatural were well made. Senator Duke’s fanaticism and prejudice came out clearly in his questioning and arguments during the hearing. There are parallels between the novel and in real life in the political arena, although they might not be so obvious upon first thought.
Another theme that ran through the novel was the desire for power, a common theme in books like this. Different characters sought their own type of power in their own way, and there were several different power plays taking place in the novel.
Favorite Part: When Kitty, Jeffrey and Stockton decide to go in search of Elijah Smith. That entire scene, at the camp.
Miscellaneous: Carrie Vaughn’s novel has an added bonus at the end, a short story called Kitty Meets the Band. It’s a funny story about her interview with the band, Plague of Locusts, in which one of the members is supposedly possessed by a demon. It was a cute story that earned a smile at the end.Labels: Fantasy, Review, Series |
| posted by Literary Feline @ 7/29/2006 08:34:00 PM
|
|
|
|
|
| About Me |
|
Name: Wendy R.
Home: California, United States
About Me: At the age of five, Literary Feline was diagnosed as a fabulavore. Due to the low story content of movies and television, she has required a steady supply of books to provide her sustenance. She currently resides in California with her loving husband, an affectionate cat and a very enthusiastic dog. Literary Feline has broadened her nutritional sources by reviewing books for Front Street Reviews and Curled Up With a Good Book. Please note: Literary Feline is not a bibliovore. She's not eating the books for goodness' sake.
See my complete profile
|
| Reading History |
|
|
| Series Reading |
|
|
| Previous Posts |
| |
