Noisy Outlaws, Unfriendly Blobs, and Some Other Things That Aren't As Scary, Maybe, Depending on How You Feel About Lost Lands, Stray Cellphones, Creatures from the Sky, Parents Who Disappear in Peru, a Man Named Lars Farf, and One Other Story We Couldn't Quite Finish, So Maybe You Could Help Us Out by Nicky Hornby, Neil Gaiman, Jon Scieszka, Jonathan Safran Foer, and More
Edited by: Ted Thompson, with Eli Horowitz
Rating: *****
My librarian roommate brought this home last night from her volunteer work at another library. She was intrigued by it's ridiculous title, and list of authors. It's possibly one of the funniest books I have ever read. It is a collection of 11 shorts stories about children. I'm not 100% sure that the book is children friendly, because there is actually some pretty graphic things in it, plus a lot of hilarious only-adults-get-it references. But I'm fairly sure it would be enjoyable for all ages. The title pretty much tells you the content of the stories, and each story is hilarious. I laughed for the hour and a half straight it took me to read the book. It starts off with a real kick in the face introduction by Lemony Snicket, which made me giggle uncontrollably, much to the confusion of other people in the room. The book was published in 2006, and the cover is actually part of an intriguing contest, which 3 years later is over and done with. The contest was Lemony Snicket wrote half a short story and couldn't finish it, so they put it on the inside of the book jacket, with a challenge to send it back to the publishers. The best entry would have been published as a complete story in another book. I'm not sure how that contest ended, but probably awesomely.
In addition to being an extremely hilarious, must-read book, the proceeds of the book sales go to 826NYC, a nonprofit in NYC which helps children from 6-18 with their creative writing and literary skills. Their website can be found at http://www.826nyc.org/
Enjoy your reading!
<3 Care
Upcoming episodes:
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
The Big Necessity by Rose George
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Slaves to Faith by Calvin R. Mercer
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
11/04/2009 - 6 opinions
Hey everyone!
Long time, no see. The weeks of delay were caused by death and mayhem!! ... in the books I was reading, of course, not in real life. In real life, the delay was caused by me dilly dallying about with no regard to you whatsoever, dear reader. Which is probably just me, but I like to read my own words, so I guess it's not really an issue. Six books today, very exciting, I know!! I have six more books after this too, even more exciting!!
Dexter by Design by Jeff Lindsey
Rating: ****(1/2)
In this fourth installment of the vigilante Dexter series, we join Dexter as he honeymoons in Paris with his new wife Rita. The overall writing of this book is fantastic, with beautifully illustrated imagery and a deeper insight into Dexter's sociopath mind, and of course the ever delightful plays on words and alliterations. As the book evolves, Dexter finds himself in the center of another mystery which is garnering national attention, and could easily reveal his killer nature to the word. Dexter is at his prime here, juggling his dark side with family and work life, struggling to stay ahead of the game. While this book, like the others, could easily stand alone, I'd recommend reading the other books in the series. Lindsey ends this book with a delicious cliffhanger, which charges excitement for the next book. I cannot stress enough how amazing the imagery and writing is in this book.
The Dexter series: Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Dearly Devoted Dexter, and Dexter in the Dark
The Rosetta Codex by Richard Paul Russo
Rating: ***
This is the first book I've read by this author, and his writing style is fairly effective. The story follows a predictable story arc, involving a young boy named Cale who is raised in poverty as a slave, only to find much later in life that he's a member of a rich family. The story is made interesting because it takes place over the reaches of space, as Cale struggles to discover the meaning behind a mysterious book he finds in his wanderings. The story progresses very well, following Cale from the age of 5 until he's in his 30s, and all the characters are interesting. The overall plot and writing style lead to very movie-like settings and dialogue, which made it somewhat less interesting. If the story had read a little less like a hammed up screenplay, it would probably be 4 stars, but minus 1.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Rating: ****(1/2)
Conceivably one of Card's most famous novels, this story centers around a young boy created and recruited by the military under the expectations of his becoming mankind's hope in a war against aliens. Taken from his family, and trained in a no-holds barred military academy satellite station, young Andrew "Ender" Wiggin quickly rises through the ranks of the students. Back on Earth, his brother Peter and sister Valentine start their own political campaigns under online pseudonyms. The three siblings, unknown to Ender, quickly become some of the most respected people worldwide. The novel originally started out as a short story, and was conceived only to introduce the character of Ender for additional books. However, it is a powerful testament to the power children have on their own, as well as containing fascinating insights into xenophobia, and the potential of political action, even when wielded by anonymous sources.
Other books in the Ender Saga: Ender's Exile, Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, Children of the Mind, A War of Gifts
Related books: The Shadow Saga
The Call of Earth by Orson Scott Card
Rating: ****
The second book in the Homecoming Saga, a group of novels centered around the planet Harmony, where the refugees from a dying Earth settled millions of years ago. Although civilization on Earth lasted only a few millenniums, the peaceful and long lasting civilization created on Harmony has been maintained by a computer called the Oversoul. In the first novel, we were introduced to the city of Basilica, a powerful matriarchal city on one of the main continents. The Oversoul has realized that it has long outlasted its programming, and needs to return humans back to Earth and to the main computers light years away. The Oversoul contacts some of the few remaining humans that remain completely open to its 'voice', and convinces them that it is time to go home to Earth. The second novel picks up right where the first ended, as young Nafai tries to convince his friends and family that Harmony is coming to an end, and that they all must make a pilgrimage and trust to the Oversoul to lead them back to Earth. However, the military and political threats surrounding both Basilica and the surround city-states takes a toll on both Nafai and his followers, and the civilizations on Harmony. An extremely satisfying second book, with great character development, military maneuvers, and plot continuations. Card is at a high point in his writing, as the story pretty much flies off the pages.
The Homecoming Saga: The Memory of Earth, The Ships of Earth, Earthfall, Earthborn
The Woad To Wuin by Peter David
Rating: ****(1/2)
The second book about the crippled Apropos of Nothing finds him hiding out in a cave with his wizardly accomplice Sharee. His friendship with Sharee quickly goes downhill after Apropos finds himself in the middle of the most hilarious Lord of the Ring satire I have ever read. However, after that little adventure, Apropos bides his time owning a bar and minding his own business in the middle of nowhere. Sadly for him, a visionary who will only speak the future straight out tells Apropos that he's about to take the Woad to Wuin.. or is it the Road to Ruin? Non-stop hilarity ensues, as Apropos finds himself in one unfortunate adventure after another, until he wakes up one day and pretty much finds himself ruler of the world. This book would more or less stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book. Peter David's writing is fantastic, and his ways to find plays on words, and hilarity in the most mundane situations makes this a great read.
Other books in the series: Sir Apropos of Nothing, Tong Lashing
The Phoenix Transformed by Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Rating: ***(1/2)
The final book in the Enduring Flame Trilogy, sequel to The Obisidan Trilogy. I just did not enjoy this saga as much as the original, but read very much the same. It never really grabbed me in, but was still a fun read. The characters were really fleshed out, and the cliffhanger from the second book was nicely resolved. This trilogy takes place 1000 years after the original trilogy, which really makes a fun way of looking at how time and tradition really change how a story evolves. The two main characters are two teenage boys, Terciel and Harrier, who have at this point somewhat come to terms with their magical gifts, and are planning a war against the Darkness that has been loosed upon their world. With the help of the desert people who they once fought against. They struggle in this book against the Darkness and their own trust issues, because they are forced to work with the mage who loosed the Darkness in the first place. There is excellent resolution to the series, and the entire trilogy is overall very enjoyable. This trilogy can stand alone, but I recommend reading the first trilogy for a lot of the back story on some of the holidays that are celebrated, and some of the characters encountered in their journey.
Other books in The Enduring Flame: The Phoenix Unchained, The Phoenix Endangered
Books in The Obsidian Trilogy: The Outstretched Shadow,, To Light a Candle, When Darkness Falls
Enjoy your reading!
<3 Care
Upcoming episodes:
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
The Big Necessity by Rose George
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Slaves to Faith by Calvin R. Mercer
Long time, no see. The weeks of delay were caused by death and mayhem!! ... in the books I was reading, of course, not in real life. In real life, the delay was caused by me dilly dallying about with no regard to you whatsoever, dear reader. Which is probably just me, but I like to read my own words, so I guess it's not really an issue. Six books today, very exciting, I know!! I have six more books after this too, even more exciting!!
Dexter by Design by Jeff Lindsey
Rating: ****(1/2)
In this fourth installment of the vigilante Dexter series, we join Dexter as he honeymoons in Paris with his new wife Rita. The overall writing of this book is fantastic, with beautifully illustrated imagery and a deeper insight into Dexter's sociopath mind, and of course the ever delightful plays on words and alliterations. As the book evolves, Dexter finds himself in the center of another mystery which is garnering national attention, and could easily reveal his killer nature to the word. Dexter is at his prime here, juggling his dark side with family and work life, struggling to stay ahead of the game. While this book, like the others, could easily stand alone, I'd recommend reading the other books in the series. Lindsey ends this book with a delicious cliffhanger, which charges excitement for the next book. I cannot stress enough how amazing the imagery and writing is in this book.
The Dexter series: Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Dearly Devoted Dexter, and Dexter in the Dark
The Rosetta Codex by Richard Paul Russo
Rating: ***
This is the first book I've read by this author, and his writing style is fairly effective. The story follows a predictable story arc, involving a young boy named Cale who is raised in poverty as a slave, only to find much later in life that he's a member of a rich family. The story is made interesting because it takes place over the reaches of space, as Cale struggles to discover the meaning behind a mysterious book he finds in his wanderings. The story progresses very well, following Cale from the age of 5 until he's in his 30s, and all the characters are interesting. The overall plot and writing style lead to very movie-like settings and dialogue, which made it somewhat less interesting. If the story had read a little less like a hammed up screenplay, it would probably be 4 stars, but minus 1.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Rating: ****(1/2)
Conceivably one of Card's most famous novels, this story centers around a young boy created and recruited by the military under the expectations of his becoming mankind's hope in a war against aliens. Taken from his family, and trained in a no-holds barred military academy satellite station, young Andrew "Ender" Wiggin quickly rises through the ranks of the students. Back on Earth, his brother Peter and sister Valentine start their own political campaigns under online pseudonyms. The three siblings, unknown to Ender, quickly become some of the most respected people worldwide. The novel originally started out as a short story, and was conceived only to introduce the character of Ender for additional books. However, it is a powerful testament to the power children have on their own, as well as containing fascinating insights into xenophobia, and the potential of political action, even when wielded by anonymous sources.
Other books in the Ender Saga: Ender's Exile, Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, Children of the Mind, A War of Gifts
Related books: The Shadow Saga
The Call of Earth by Orson Scott Card
Rating: ****
The second book in the Homecoming Saga, a group of novels centered around the planet Harmony, where the refugees from a dying Earth settled millions of years ago. Although civilization on Earth lasted only a few millenniums, the peaceful and long lasting civilization created on Harmony has been maintained by a computer called the Oversoul. In the first novel, we were introduced to the city of Basilica, a powerful matriarchal city on one of the main continents. The Oversoul has realized that it has long outlasted its programming, and needs to return humans back to Earth and to the main computers light years away. The Oversoul contacts some of the few remaining humans that remain completely open to its 'voice', and convinces them that it is time to go home to Earth. The second novel picks up right where the first ended, as young Nafai tries to convince his friends and family that Harmony is coming to an end, and that they all must make a pilgrimage and trust to the Oversoul to lead them back to Earth. However, the military and political threats surrounding both Basilica and the surround city-states takes a toll on both Nafai and his followers, and the civilizations on Harmony. An extremely satisfying second book, with great character development, military maneuvers, and plot continuations. Card is at a high point in his writing, as the story pretty much flies off the pages.
The Homecoming Saga: The Memory of Earth, The Ships of Earth, Earthfall, Earthborn
The Woad To Wuin by Peter David
Rating: ****(1/2)
The second book about the crippled Apropos of Nothing finds him hiding out in a cave with his wizardly accomplice Sharee. His friendship with Sharee quickly goes downhill after Apropos finds himself in the middle of the most hilarious Lord of the Ring satire I have ever read. However, after that little adventure, Apropos bides his time owning a bar and minding his own business in the middle of nowhere. Sadly for him, a visionary who will only speak the future straight out tells Apropos that he's about to take the Woad to Wuin.. or is it the Road to Ruin? Non-stop hilarity ensues, as Apropos finds himself in one unfortunate adventure after another, until he wakes up one day and pretty much finds himself ruler of the world. This book would more or less stand alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book. Peter David's writing is fantastic, and his ways to find plays on words, and hilarity in the most mundane situations makes this a great read.
Other books in the series: Sir Apropos of Nothing, Tong Lashing
The Phoenix Transformed by Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
Rating: ***(1/2)
The final book in the Enduring Flame Trilogy, sequel to The Obisidan Trilogy. I just did not enjoy this saga as much as the original, but read very much the same. It never really grabbed me in, but was still a fun read. The characters were really fleshed out, and the cliffhanger from the second book was nicely resolved. This trilogy takes place 1000 years after the original trilogy, which really makes a fun way of looking at how time and tradition really change how a story evolves. The two main characters are two teenage boys, Terciel and Harrier, who have at this point somewhat come to terms with their magical gifts, and are planning a war against the Darkness that has been loosed upon their world. With the help of the desert people who they once fought against. They struggle in this book against the Darkness and their own trust issues, because they are forced to work with the mage who loosed the Darkness in the first place. There is excellent resolution to the series, and the entire trilogy is overall very enjoyable. This trilogy can stand alone, but I recommend reading the first trilogy for a lot of the back story on some of the holidays that are celebrated, and some of the characters encountered in their journey.
Other books in The Enduring Flame: The Phoenix Unchained, The Phoenix Endangered
Books in The Obsidian Trilogy: The Outstretched Shadow,, To Light a Candle, When Darkness Falls
Enjoy your reading!
<3 Care
Upcoming episodes:
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
The Big Necessity by Rose George
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Slaves to Faith by Calvin R. Mercer
Friday, October 9, 2009
10/09/2009 - 1 opinion
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
Rating: ****The tagline of this book is "It's one thing to accept one's destiny. It's quite another to live it", which nicely summarizes both this last book and the entire trilogy. The trilogy is based on a young noble, raised as a male only to find out at the age of 12 that he was born female, and given male form though necromancy. The reasons for why her parents decided to do this is a long tale, explained in the previous two novels, while this book joins Tamír as she fights for her birthright as Queen of her country. The complex character relationships help tell this tale as Tamír struggles to accept her femininity. She's wearing dresses for the first time, and dealing with new female parts, while at the same time forced to battle her friend and cousin Korin for leadership of their country. While at time the dialogue gets a bit strange, the overall writing of the series is fantastic, and the entire idea of the series is very unique and powerful. The battle scenes are extremely exciting, while the politics and feel of the story are very believable. Even the romantic story lines are exciting, as characters struggle to understand one another. Ms. Flewelling ends the series with a note saying that a subplot of the trilogy can be followed in an additional, separate series, which I am excited to read.
Previous books in the Tamír Triad: The Bone Doll's Twin and Hidden Warrior
Follow up: The Nightrunner Series starting with Luck in the Shadows
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Upcoming reviews:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
10/06/2009 - 1 opinion
I've decided to take a break from trying to beat all the levels of LocoRoco to bring you this opinion. I hope you're happy. :P
In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber by L.A. Meyer
Rating: ****(1/2)
This is the fourth installment of the previously mentioned Bloody Jack adventure novels, based around main character Mary 'Jacky' Faber. In the last book, we saw Jacky declared a pirate by the British Navy and escaping in the aftermath of a bloody battle between the French and the British Navies. This book picks up Jacky as she is ashore in Boston, once again attending finishing school for ladies, and trying to find a way to fight the charges laid against her. However, her situation goes from bad to worse when all the schoolgirls are kidnapped and put aboard a slaver. Jacky, now 16, is as spunky and mischievous as ever, and is ready to take on this challenge of escape. A strong, admirable female lead, she helps transform the proper ladies of her school into a scheming crew, helped by her nemesis, the wealthy and beautiful Clarissa Howe. The tale turns into a suspenseful tale of womanhood and survival. One of the most touching parts of this novel is when Jacky tells her schoolmates "bedtime stories", stories of life as a street rat in London. This novel fleshes out characters from previous novels, and the historical background with the swashbuckling story really makes for an excellent read. I would declare this my favorite of the series so far.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Upcoming reviews:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
(You may have noticed by now that occasionally books will be reviewed not on the list... don't worry your pretty little heads about it. I just have literary ADD. And regular ADD, really.)
In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber by L.A. Meyer
Rating: ****(1/2)
This is the fourth installment of the previously mentioned Bloody Jack adventure novels, based around main character Mary 'Jacky' Faber. In the last book, we saw Jacky declared a pirate by the British Navy and escaping in the aftermath of a bloody battle between the French and the British Navies. This book picks up Jacky as she is ashore in Boston, once again attending finishing school for ladies, and trying to find a way to fight the charges laid against her. However, her situation goes from bad to worse when all the schoolgirls are kidnapped and put aboard a slaver. Jacky, now 16, is as spunky and mischievous as ever, and is ready to take on this challenge of escape. A strong, admirable female lead, she helps transform the proper ladies of her school into a scheming crew, helped by her nemesis, the wealthy and beautiful Clarissa Howe. The tale turns into a suspenseful tale of womanhood and survival. One of the most touching parts of this novel is when Jacky tells her schoolmates "bedtime stories", stories of life as a street rat in London. This novel fleshes out characters from previous novels, and the historical background with the swashbuckling story really makes for an excellent read. I would declare this my favorite of the series so far.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Upcoming reviews:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
(You may have noticed by now that occasionally books will be reviewed not on the list... don't worry your pretty little heads about it. I just have literary ADD. And regular ADD, really.)
Monday, October 5, 2009
10/05/2009 - 2 opinions
Well, I was hoping to update this blog a bit more often, but I have focus issues, and tend to wander off in the middle of updates to drink beer or do logic puzzles.
Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card & Aaron Johnston
Rating: ***(1/2)
While Card's name is the one most prominent on the cover, it's clear that screenwriter Johnston is the primary writer of this novel. An intriguing storyline in the near future revolves around a mysterious religious group who is found to be spreading a gene-therapy treatment, in the form of a virus fatal to anyone other than the recipient. The fast-paced novel flashes between people caught up in the group, people abducted by the group, and the government agents trying to stop it. The book has a very 'movie' feel to it, including gunfights, high speed chases, and suspenseful action scenes, which somewhat detracts from the overall 'realistic future' feel of the book. Characterization remains focused on a few key players, while others are stereotypical side personalities- the successful female agent, the overbearing federal director, the homeless woman with the heart of gold... However, the novel overall is extremely interesting, and many of the twists and turns in the plot are quite intriguing. A quick, and exciting read.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Rating: ****
I initially became intrigued by this book when I saw the sequel, City of Ashes, in the clearance section at Wal-Mart. I was somewhat discouraged from reading it when I discovered it was a series, and the fact that the most prominent review on the cover was from Twilight's Stephanie Meyer, despite several glowing reviews from prominent critics. However, after passing it by several times, its shiny cover lured me in. The story is an urban fantasy, centered around 15-year old Clary Fray, and the spiral her life takes one weekend night. She witnesses the death of a demon at the hands of 3 other teenagers, and is quickly introduced into the other side of New York City, populated by demons, werewolves, and other sorts, and somewhat policed by a mysterious force called the Shadowhunters. Ms.Clare's writing is fast-paced and complex, twisting and turning its way through the mystery that is Clary's past and future colliding. This is a great novel, creating a believable new side to New York City, with well developed characters, an exciting storyline, and enough romance for the intended audience. I've already purchased the second book in the series, excited to find out what happens.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Upcoming Reviews:
(some of which I realized I've been promising for a while now)
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Invasive Procedures by Orson Scott Card & Aaron Johnston
Rating: ***(1/2)
While Card's name is the one most prominent on the cover, it's clear that screenwriter Johnston is the primary writer of this novel. An intriguing storyline in the near future revolves around a mysterious religious group who is found to be spreading a gene-therapy treatment, in the form of a virus fatal to anyone other than the recipient. The fast-paced novel flashes between people caught up in the group, people abducted by the group, and the government agents trying to stop it. The book has a very 'movie' feel to it, including gunfights, high speed chases, and suspenseful action scenes, which somewhat detracts from the overall 'realistic future' feel of the book. Characterization remains focused on a few key players, while others are stereotypical side personalities- the successful female agent, the overbearing federal director, the homeless woman with the heart of gold... However, the novel overall is extremely interesting, and many of the twists and turns in the plot are quite intriguing. A quick, and exciting read.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Rating: ****
I initially became intrigued by this book when I saw the sequel, City of Ashes, in the clearance section at Wal-Mart. I was somewhat discouraged from reading it when I discovered it was a series, and the fact that the most prominent review on the cover was from Twilight's Stephanie Meyer, despite several glowing reviews from prominent critics. However, after passing it by several times, its shiny cover lured me in. The story is an urban fantasy, centered around 15-year old Clary Fray, and the spiral her life takes one weekend night. She witnesses the death of a demon at the hands of 3 other teenagers, and is quickly introduced into the other side of New York City, populated by demons, werewolves, and other sorts, and somewhat policed by a mysterious force called the Shadowhunters. Ms.Clare's writing is fast-paced and complex, twisting and turning its way through the mystery that is Clary's past and future colliding. This is a great novel, creating a believable new side to New York City, with well developed characters, an exciting storyline, and enough romance for the intended audience. I've already purchased the second book in the series, excited to find out what happens.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Upcoming Reviews:
(some of which I realized I've been promising for a while now)
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer
City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Sunday, September 27, 2009
9/27/2009 - 2 opinons
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
Rating: *****
In this great fantasy, Robert O'Brien captivates by writing of one widowed housewife looking for a safe place for herself and her children. Mrs.Frisby, a widowed mouse with four children, finds out that her safe winter quarters are soon going to be destroyed when the field is plowed. Resourceful, she seeks the help of a crow who owes her a favor, and learns of the existence of a most extraordinary group of neighbors. These neighbors are the rats of NIMH, bigger and far more intelligent than any rats that had come before, and they come up with an elegant solution to her problem. However, the adventure lies not just in Mrs.Frisby adventure, but in the story of how the rats of NIMH came to be. Creating a story that is at once both fantastic and utterly believeable, this novel shows us the side of scientific experimentation that can captivate both adult and young audience alike.
The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce
Rating: ****(1/2)
In this ninth novel based on a group of four young mages, Tamora Pierce returns to one of her most popular series with this first novel in "The Circle Reforged". In the "Circle of Magic" and the "Circle Opens", Pierce introduced Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar as four prodigal mages, powerful on their own, and made more powerful by a magical bond. However, years have passed, and the four have grown apart. Tris, Daja, and Briar have been traveling for years far beyond where many go, witnessing wars, betrayals, and new kinds of magic. Sandry stayed behind, with her own trials, helping to run the large estates of her uncle. Finally reunited at the age of 18, the four have grown so far apart that recreating their former intimate friendships seems impossible.
Under political and financial pressures, Sandry is asked to journey to her mother's homeland to take care of her own inherited estates in the neighboring empire of Namorn. Her friends reluctantly accompany her. There however, Sandry encounters her cousin the Empress, a formidable woman who sees everyone as pawns for her own ends. Sandry and her friends quickly learn that the Empress does not plan on allowing Sandry to journey home again, but instead intends to marry her and keep her as a political and finanical ally within the empire. The four embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery, and Pierce's writing remains strong. The tension between the young adults is real, and the political writing is flawless. A defintely more adult tone is taken in this book than previous ones in the series, respecting perhaps the original audience has also grown. Overall, this book is excellent, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Feel free to make recommendations!
Enjoy your reading. :)
-Care
Upcoming Reviews:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer
Rating: *****
In this great fantasy, Robert O'Brien captivates by writing of one widowed housewife looking for a safe place for herself and her children. Mrs.Frisby, a widowed mouse with four children, finds out that her safe winter quarters are soon going to be destroyed when the field is plowed. Resourceful, she seeks the help of a crow who owes her a favor, and learns of the existence of a most extraordinary group of neighbors. These neighbors are the rats of NIMH, bigger and far more intelligent than any rats that had come before, and they come up with an elegant solution to her problem. However, the adventure lies not just in Mrs.Frisby adventure, but in the story of how the rats of NIMH came to be. Creating a story that is at once both fantastic and utterly believeable, this novel shows us the side of scientific experimentation that can captivate both adult and young audience alike.
The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce
Rating: ****(1/2)
In this ninth novel based on a group of four young mages, Tamora Pierce returns to one of her most popular series with this first novel in "The Circle Reforged". In the "Circle of Magic" and the "Circle Opens", Pierce introduced Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar as four prodigal mages, powerful on their own, and made more powerful by a magical bond. However, years have passed, and the four have grown apart. Tris, Daja, and Briar have been traveling for years far beyond where many go, witnessing wars, betrayals, and new kinds of magic. Sandry stayed behind, with her own trials, helping to run the large estates of her uncle. Finally reunited at the age of 18, the four have grown so far apart that recreating their former intimate friendships seems impossible.
Under political and financial pressures, Sandry is asked to journey to her mother's homeland to take care of her own inherited estates in the neighboring empire of Namorn. Her friends reluctantly accompany her. There however, Sandry encounters her cousin the Empress, a formidable woman who sees everyone as pawns for her own ends. Sandry and her friends quickly learn that the Empress does not plan on allowing Sandry to journey home again, but instead intends to marry her and keep her as a political and finanical ally within the empire. The four embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery, and Pierce's writing remains strong. The tension between the young adults is real, and the political writing is flawless. A defintely more adult tone is taken in this book than previous ones in the series, respecting perhaps the original audience has also grown. Overall, this book is excellent, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Feel free to make recommendations!
Enjoy your reading. :)
-Care
Upcoming Reviews:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Hope's War by Stephen Chambers
In the Belly of the Bloodhound by L.A. Meyer
Friday, September 25, 2009
9/24/2009 - 4 opinions
So I read a ton, probably too much, and I always have SOMETHING to say about the book I just read. So I figured I'll start this blog up, to keep track of my opinions, and of the books I read. FIVE STAR RATING SYSTEM IS A GO
Up first! Hope's End by Stephen Chambers.
Rating: ***
Apparently Mr. Chamber's debut novel, it contains a strong concept and interesting plot, but really starts to falter pretty soon into the book. The book centers around a city in political upheaval during times of plague and imminent famine. The book really turns from fantasy to sci-fi pretty quickly, when there are hints of the populace of the city being descended from religious pilgrims from Earth. The main character is a young man named Vel, who makes a living conning the rich, and drinking his earnings away with friends. His life rapidly descends into hell when he makes the mistake of raising the ire of the militant police force that runs the city. There is a lot of violence in the book, with a lot of visuals, almost as if it was a movie-made-into-a-book. Overall, an okay read. There are a few twists at the end which lead me to want to continue reading the series.
Curse of the Blue Tattoo (Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady) by L.A. Meyer
Rating: ****
In this second book following the adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Jacky's been kicked out of the British Navy and put ashore in Boston, MA. She quickly gets into trouble with her carefree ways and sailor manners, as she is placed in a school for the training of proper ladies. The historical detail about colonial Boston, American politics, and the overall tone of the book is quite excellent. Many of the situations Jacky manages to get into are laugh out loud funny. The book is also greatly enjoyable due to the letters Jacky writes to her 'fiance' Jaime, still in the British Navy, and his letters back to her - which neither of them ever receive. This is definitely a young adult book, even though I found it in the children's room at my local library, as there is prison, brothel houses, raging religious men, and puberty involved.
Under the Jolly Roger (Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber) by L.A. Meyer
Rating: ****
Meyer continues an excellent, and engaging series in this third book about Jacky Faber. After riding into the sunset, leaving Boston and ladies schooling behind, Jacky decides to reunite with her long lost love Jamie back in England. After a case of hasty judgement, Jacky finds herself pressed ganged- back into the British Navy. She finds herself onboard the Wolverine, patrolling of the coast of enemy France. After the insane captain discovers her gender, and her identity - Jacky is now infamous after a book published about her - she is written into the ship's log for the captains personal amusement. Jacky quickly takes charge of her gun team, and before long, finds herself a respected crew member. However, it's not long before she gets herself and many others into trouble. A very good book, but like it's predecessors, definitely for the 12+ age group. Once again, the historical and technical details of the book are phenomenal!
FlashForward by Robert J. Sawyer
Rating: ****
Apparently Mr.Sawyer is quite a successful, award-winning novelist, but I had no idea until about... 3 weeks ago. I was in my local Borders, cashing in on a free drink at the cafe (I don't drink coffee, got a green tea latte, mmm), and I noticed a "BOOKS ON TV" section. "What a brilliant marketing idea!" I thought to myself. It gets books read, and TV watched, all at the same time. The usual suspects (True Blood, Dexter, Gossip Girl) were all hanging out together, when I noticed a slim volume called "FlashForward". Now, I'd been in a state of perpetual excitement for about six months since the commercials for the pilot of the show "FlashForward" had aired, so I was pretty excited; I grabbed the book and went home and read it. And I was not disappointed.
Well, that's all I have for now. I have spent the majority of this week's free time either drinking beer or enjoying the TV series of "The Dead Zone" (or both at once), so my reading is falling a bit behind.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Coming up in further episodes:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
Up first! Hope's End by Stephen Chambers.
Rating: ***
Apparently Mr. Chamber's debut novel, it contains a strong concept and interesting plot, but really starts to falter pretty soon into the book. The book centers around a city in political upheaval during times of plague and imminent famine. The book really turns from fantasy to sci-fi pretty quickly, when there are hints of the populace of the city being descended from religious pilgrims from Earth. The main character is a young man named Vel, who makes a living conning the rich, and drinking his earnings away with friends. His life rapidly descends into hell when he makes the mistake of raising the ire of the militant police force that runs the city. There is a lot of violence in the book, with a lot of visuals, almost as if it was a movie-made-into-a-book. Overall, an okay read. There are a few twists at the end which lead me to want to continue reading the series.
Curse of the Blue Tattoo (Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady) by L.A. Meyer
Rating: ****
In this second book following the adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Jacky's been kicked out of the British Navy and put ashore in Boston, MA. She quickly gets into trouble with her carefree ways and sailor manners, as she is placed in a school for the training of proper ladies. The historical detail about colonial Boston, American politics, and the overall tone of the book is quite excellent. Many of the situations Jacky manages to get into are laugh out loud funny. The book is also greatly enjoyable due to the letters Jacky writes to her 'fiance' Jaime, still in the British Navy, and his letters back to her - which neither of them ever receive. This is definitely a young adult book, even though I found it in the children's room at my local library, as there is prison, brothel houses, raging religious men, and puberty involved.
Under the Jolly Roger (Being an Account of the Further Nautical Adventures of Jacky Faber) by L.A. Meyer
Rating: ****
Meyer continues an excellent, and engaging series in this third book about Jacky Faber. After riding into the sunset, leaving Boston and ladies schooling behind, Jacky decides to reunite with her long lost love Jamie back in England. After a case of hasty judgement, Jacky finds herself pressed ganged- back into the British Navy. She finds herself onboard the Wolverine, patrolling of the coast of enemy France. After the insane captain discovers her gender, and her identity - Jacky is now infamous after a book published about her - she is written into the ship's log for the captains personal amusement. Jacky quickly takes charge of her gun team, and before long, finds herself a respected crew member. However, it's not long before she gets herself and many others into trouble. A very good book, but like it's predecessors, definitely for the 12+ age group. Once again, the historical and technical details of the book are phenomenal!
FlashForward by Robert J. Sawyer
Rating: ****
Apparently Mr.Sawyer is quite a successful, award-winning novelist, but I had no idea until about... 3 weeks ago. I was in my local Borders, cashing in on a free drink at the cafe (I don't drink coffee, got a green tea latte, mmm), and I noticed a "BOOKS ON TV" section. "What a brilliant marketing idea!" I thought to myself. It gets books read, and TV watched, all at the same time. The usual suspects (True Blood, Dexter, Gossip Girl) were all hanging out together, when I noticed a slim volume called "FlashForward". Now, I'd been in a state of perpetual excitement for about six months since the commercials for the pilot of the show "FlashForward" had aired, so I was pretty excited; I grabbed the book and went home and read it. And I was not disappointed.
The plot centers around a group of scientists in 2009 (the book was written in 1999, and many things were not far off!) who engage in a scientific endeavor to prove theories in quantum theory. However, when the experiment is set in motion the whole of humanity loses consciousness for 2 minutes. Upon waking to major global mayhem, everyone shares their experiences to find that the human consciousness had been vaulted 21 years into the future during those 2 minutes. The entire focus of the world shifts from the here and now into the what could be. The novel becomes a deep exploration of predestination versus free will, the cost of scientific discovery, and the complex relationships of the human community.
Well, that's all I have for now. I have spent the majority of this week's free time either drinking beer or enjoying the TV series of "The Dead Zone" (or both at once), so my reading is falling a bit behind.
Enjoy your reading!
-Care
Coming up in further episodes:
'salem's Lot by Stephen King
We Don't Live Here Anymore by Andre Dubus
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
The Oracle's Queen by Lynn Flewelling
The Woad to Wuin by Peter A. David
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and some guy
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