Tuesday 26 May 2009
BlogMaintenance
The Cry of the Icemark, by Stuart Hill
2006, The Chicken House
510 pages
Genre: Childrens' Fantasy, 10 years +
(I couldn't find a bigger picture)
14 year old Thirrin has what I call attitude. Sometime in the novel, she develops royal attitude (paraphrased from the story). There is little difference between the two: royal attitude is attitude which only royalty can wield: anyone else would be considered rude, indirect and countless other adjectives. Both are characteristics of a protagonist that I love. With a father who has a love of fluffy slippers, an advisor who is finally learning that Thirrin will pay attention if the lessons have anything to do with combat, and a cute kitten, life looks good for Thirrin. That is, until Scipio Bellorum, General of the Polypontian Empire invades the kingdom of Icemark.
Warfare follows, and with it the death of her father. Although this story is about war, there aren't chapters and chapters with long descriptions of each and every battle. The fights themselves flow quite quickly. It is the lead up to the battles and the alliances which Thirrin forms that are central to this story.
Thirrin's spirit keeps her strong after her father's death. She isn't cold hearted, at times her facade wobbles - as did my eyes - but she knows how people look at royalty. As much as possible she maintains a firm image of a strong Queen. She is supported by her father's aide, Maggiore, who now looks after the royal cat Primplepuss. Maggiore has experience of dealing with a monarch, and great knowledge about diplomacy, something that Thirrin learns over time. This is complimented by the Witch's Son, Ozkan, who Thirrin befriends early on. He can heal people, talk to the gods of the woods, understand the speech of werewolves, and, on occasion, catches glimpses of the future. His power has hidden depths: it is only through his growing friendship with Thirrin that the full extent of that power unravels. The consequences are devastating, for the reader and Thirrin.
Thirrin isn't afraid of saying no. Unlike her ancestors, she realises that with a vast army knocking on her door, she can't be fussy who her allies are. The relationship forged with the werewolves lasts well into the second book (review coming up soon, once I've finished it). This friendship helps forge alliance with other, less amiable creatures - the vampires. Furthermore, Thirrin is the first to persuade the snow leopards far in the north that human matters concern them. These cats are big - no, huge. Much larger than the snow leopards we know.
The humour in this book made me laugh a lot. Even when the situation was dire, there was always a light phrase at hand. I cried as hard as I laughed - although thankfully not as often. Stuart Hill has a way with words that had me turning over the page frantically once I'd reached the bottom.
From the names of those in the Polypontian Empire, I felt that this was the land of the Romans (I think the phrase veni, vidi, vici gave it away), and the land of Icemark was that belonging to the Vikings, with the details of the culture and the environment. This combination of cultures works well, making me think twice about situations and how the characters dealt with them.
I would happily read this book again, straight away! Content is appropriate for nearly all; a small love story as the relationship between Thirrin and Ozkan grows, but subtle in nature. Virtually nothing was blushable, perhaps the odd bit of rough language or intimation, but not worthy of a paperclip. As I said at the beginning, violence is low; however a few scenes are grisly so one dagger is needed here.
Daggers: 1
Tissues: 3
Smiles: 3-4
Overall rating: 5/5
This is book one in the Icemark Chronicle trilogy. The second bookl, The Sword of Fire, will be reviewed shortly. It might be a little while to review the third book, Last Battle of the Icemark, since I haven't yet borrowed it from the library.
Thursday 21 May 2009
Pure Dead Magic, by Debi Gliori
2002, Corgi
219 pages
Childrens: appeal for boys and girls, 9-12 years
Warning: do not drink anything while reading this. The drink will not stay in your mouth!
On first glance, I thought this would be entertaining. I got a glimpse of how entertaining it would be with the dramatis personae.
Titus (12 years), his sister Pandora (10 years old) and their younger sister Damp (14 months old) are living with their mother, Signora Baci Strega-Borgia in StregaSchloss when their father just ups and leaves. Just like that. No explanation as to why (although the reason is revealed in the novel). Baci, who is taking magic courses at the weekend to improve her magical ability, needs more help than Latch the butler and Marie Bain the cook can provide. Edible food is just the start. So she advertises for nannys.
Most have ended up in Tock the crocodile's stomach as he lounges around the moat. The 600 year old several times great grandmother, cryogenically preserved in the freezer is no help whatsoever: she only defrosts during a powercut to see if there's a 'cure' for her ailment. Multitudina, Pandora's pet rat has her hands full with ratlings (rat babies?) literally enters cyber space. Tarentella, the spider who loves lipstick scares Titus but proves a great babysitter for Damp. The latest nanny, Mrs Flora McLachlan (full name in the novel) has a great secret. She can do magic too - all with the help of a little box. For her current charges, she prefers to be normal. But, at the climax of the story, she brings out the box to save the family from their Mafia lineage.
The imagination here is incredible. Computers actually are live. The internet is a highway that rats, babies and children travel on. You don't want to be around when a dragon has severe tummy ache. Or when concrete is served as meal. Or when Pandora gets her hand on her mother's wands. Life is certainly not normal in the Strega-Borgia household.
This first book in a trilogy deals with the sensitive issue of what happens when parents separate (all is not as it seems and there is a HEA). The emotions felt by the children, and their mother's actions had me reaching for tissues. I nearly wept when Titus finally caved in and cried. The despair Pandora felt when she witnessed her brother not being strong, when the world caved in and her mother couldn't help struck a chord in me. People are wrong if they underestimate childrens books. Delve deeply into them, and pick out the messages that are a comfort for the reader.
Aside from Pure Dead Wicked, and Pure Dead Brilliant (the remainder in the series) there's also Deep Trouble, Deep Water and Deep Fear. I'll be checking this 2nd series out when I can.
This can't really get a cute rating, but it gets five smiles for humour.
Overall rating: 5/5
Information about Debi Gliori can be found here.
Fairy Secrets, by Gwyneth Rees
2008, Macmillan Childrens books
206 pages
Childrens: for girls!
I'm branching out even further in my reviews. There's a reason I love childrens books. Some, not all, are like this one and have suitable content. No boyfriends (not even a whiff of them). It has me very happy and if I ever have girls, I'll buy these books for them.
You know that piece of chocolate that went missing? You're convinced there was over half a bar left but now there's only a third? Well, its not mice. It's not your children/siblings/spouse. It's fairies. Fairies love chocolate.
Thankfully in the little Welsh village the owner of the shop, Mr Owen, believes in fairies. He doesn't think someone is shoplifting chocolate. He's happy for them to take it. In return, they leave him gifts. One of which he gives to Ellie, staying with her aunt (and unfortunately her brother) while their parents are on holiday.
The story follows the tale of Ellie as she meets two fairies, Myfanwy and Bronwen, and sets about saving the entry to fairyland. It lies in a toy museum, whose owner needs to sell it. There's more to this story than just saving fairy land. A lot more.
For starters, there are the cute illustrations: stars at the bottom of the pages, a fairy in each corner at the top. There are illustrations in most chapters too. They add to the whole picture painted by the story (sometimes I wish other books had more pictures). My personal favourite was the one where Myfanwy and Bronwen are flying while balancing chocolate buttons on their heads :) Chocoholics those two.
Plus, its a tale of how Ellie overcomes her shyness. At the beginning of the book, she is painfully shy, but circumstances make her find her voice and overcome her embarrassment at speaking to strangers. The fairies have a big hand in this. But its also a case of if Ellie doesn't say something, then no-one will. Her aunt refuses to do the talking for her (sensible lady).
Okay, if I'm analysing this book as an example for my future children to read, I'm not so fond of how many lies/deceptions Ellie does. However, she knows her actions are wrong, and does make amends for them.
I like this book so much that I'm going to check out the rest at my library - not just the fairy books either!
Cuteness factor: 5 clouds
Overall rating: 5/5
Check out more fairy stories on Gwyneth Rees' site
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Sword of God, by Chris Kuzneski
2007, Penguin
422 pages
Thriller
This was one of those books. You know. The one which you can't put down because every chapter has you wanting more. Got to love thrillers.
Nayu's thriller checklist:
Female protag - check. Two of them. Shari's a civilian, archaeologist, not quite on the right side of the Saudia Arabian law but she keeps her head underground. Literally. The other one, Kia, is a military interpreter. Both get put in danger a lot, and witness horrific scenes.
Military involvement: the good guys (and girl).
Weapons: happy sigh. Good range of arsenal (guns, C4, the usual).
Life or death scenario: it's not every day warped individual want to unite the Islamic community by blowing up the most revered site, Mecca, and blaming the Americans. (For the record I'm against violence, and like all people, of all religions).
This made a pleasant change from the other thriller's I've read (based on Christian or extra-terrestrial artefacts). Not that I didn't enjoy the others - I did, tremendously. Just nice to have something a little different. There's the usual friendly banter between members of the military team, a little bit of romance (not much smush, I promise). There is detailed gore and violence, so probably not for the faint hearted.
Why are you still here? That timer on world destruction is ticking - go read!
Daggers: 3
TGB: 2 (again...I read quite a few books before this one so I'm a little hazy on details)
Tissues: 1
Paperclips: 0.5.
Overall rating 5, and I want this book!
Chris Kuzneski can be found here
The Cassini Division, Ken Macleod
1998, Orbit
240 pages
Science Fiction
As well as 21st century books, naturally books I review hail from the 20th Century. The Cassini Divison is beyond doubt a sci-fi lover's dream. Spaceships. Alien races who need nuking. Almost sentient spacesuits that can change swiftly from combat gear to pyjamas and a duvet. Not to mention Ellen's quick thinking mind which gets her into trouble as well as out of it.
Part of an elite force, acting to defend those in the Solar Union, the Cassini Division is Ellen's family. Initially on her own, she seeks out her target for extraction. As her mission progresses, the rest of her team accompany her on a mission which, if they fail, could wipe out humanity.
What appealed to me here was the fact that Ellen isn't developing her abilities, she already knows how to use her special suit. It's how she explains her world to her target, and the female who tags along with him. Through their experiences thoughts on morality and ethics are discussed at length. Life on board a spaceship has both highs and lows, all of which are delved into.
I definitely want a spacesuit. It has a mind of its own: tailoring clothes usually to the wearer's choice. Lace, trousers, dress - any material and any outfit can be created within a few seconds. No need for a wardrobe. Dirt is absorbed into the suit. Any unwanted particle is also absorbed into the suit. It can even - no, I mustn't tell you about what it can do to a person's soul. You'll have to read for yourself :)
Paperclips: 2 (reference to physical relations, some language)
TGB: 1 or 2 (I'm sure things got blown up...I've read 8 books since!)
Daggers: 1 (mild)
Tissues: 0
Overall rating: 5
I'm now more immersed in sci-fi than I ever have been. Now, where's my suit...
Ken Macleod can be found here.
Liked this? Try Hybrids
Eye of the Moon, and Eye of the Sun by Dianne Hofmeyr (Children's, 11 years +, 10E/10E)
Daughter of Venice, A Novel by Donna Jo Napoli
2004, Walker Books
Urchin and the Heartstone, by M L McAllister
2006, Bloomsbury
Betrayal, by Fiona McIntosh
2006, Orbit
Hybrids, David Thorpe
2007, HarperCollins
The Harsh Cry of the Heron, by Lian Hearn
Friday 15 May 2009
Small review hiatus...and books coming my way!
Monday 11 May 2009
Brilliance of the Moon, by Lian Hern
Tales of the Otori book 3
2004, MacMillan
I think the library copy is different: its a hardback book, with this cover (one shown for the paperback version). That's why the publisher might be different to the paperback one with the same cover.
For the third time I'm taken away with where Lian takes Kaede and Takeo's story. This installment is darker than the others, with more heartache, violence and turns in the plot I couldn't have predicted.
I do like the brief character list at the beginning of the book. It was there in book 2, but I forgot to comment on it. The map gives an idea of where everything takes place, although to be fair I often don't look at maps more than once.
There is no-one who escapes from all this. Takeo faces life without Kaede. He has to make decisions which go against what he believed the future to hold for him. He demonstrates great leadership skills. The tough decisions he makes would be hard for anyone to make, but he does so knowing sacrifices sometimes are the only way for life to improve.
Kaede accepts a terrifying fate to keep her loved ones safe. My poor tummy turned upside down when the action that changes her life here happened. If I hadn't peeked at the end of this book, and then the end of the fourth, more tissues would have been needed. I was a little disappointed, considering how much of her view there initially was in the book that there wasn't a chapter before the final one, explaining what happened after a liberating event. But then the overall story arc is mostly Takeo's, and not much needs explaining. I just love Kaede!
A newcomer to the POV telling is Shizuka. Previously a maid of Kaede's, and one of the Tribe who wish to kill Takeo, her viewpoint on events provides greater understanding for why the Tribe act as they do. And, she's definitely not a hardhearted woman.
Content: I went very red at one point: just one paragraph which I understand why it was included, but the story would have been just fine without it.
Turns out I somehow misread part of book 2 (I blame the germs currently attacking me) and there was a non male-female brief relationship. If you'd like this explained, message me. This relationship gets implied in this 3rd installment, hence the high rating.
The violence here isn't just beating back enemies, it is a bit gory too. Beheadings mostly. Not something for the faint hearted.
The story isn't all doom and gloom, there are a few moments of peace, where the scenary and clothing (see? I'm totally obsessed with costumes in the Otori story) have my mind thirsting for me. From the limited knowledge of Japan I have through anime, japanese lessons and general knowledge, this series captures a great many of the unique customs of the island nation.
Dagger rating: maybe 2-3.
Paperclip: 3
Tissues: 3
TGB: 0
Despite the extra gore and blushable content, I still totally recommend this series.
The content ratings give it a 4/5 overall rating. I'm about to start the 4th book now, the final chapter in Kaede and Takeo's story. I know how it ends, but I still wish to see how it unfolds.
Sunday 10 May 2009
Grass for his Pillow, by Lian Hearn
2003, MacMillan
Did you really expect to review other books before I finish this series? I'm sure I have 4 of them, I'm hoping I have all 5.
This installment = wow! It should have a side label 'Kaede's' story' (yes, I can't figure out the punctuation for that). It's all about Kaede!
I'm beaming at the computer screen at how full of Kaede's life the story is. Takeo does play a role, but not so much. He's learning what life is in like in the Tribe, the ones who kidnapped him in the first book so they can teach him his powers. They aren't as friendly as they appear. He never forgets Kaede, and is happily reunited with her at the end.
As for Kaede, my admiration for her continues to grow. I've read several other tales where a young woman, similar to Kaede, goes through an awful lot and builds up political power. What makes Grass for His Pillow unique, in my eyes, is the level of detail that Lian Hearn uses to explain the transformation. Kaede never forgets Takeo, and strives to strengthen her own position as she can. Unfortunately she suffers a great loss that ultimately strengthens her resolve even more, and gives her the extra boost she needs to survive.
The writing style, just like the first painted the details clearly for me. I want the costumes in this book! My mind fills in the blanks and I can feel the material beneath my skin. I want to visit the mountains they journey through, and experience the wonders of watching birds on lakes.
Content: it gets a higher paperclip rating, a few incidents are rather shocking and imply a lot. They are few and tastefully written, so I would still read this. The violence I think is a little less gory than the last one. It's so nice to read a relatively smush free tale of romance.
The two different styles for POV's are used here, and still read smoothly. I definitely would like to own this series some day. Until then, the library might have me taking them out quite a bit.
Link for Lian Hearn is in the first review. The next book, Brilliance of the Moon, should be reviewed shortly!
Dagger rating: maybe 1.
Paperclip: 2
Tissues: 2
TGB: 0
Overall rating: 5/5
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn (Young Adult, 10/10E)
Tales of the Otori book 1
2002, MacMillan
Content: fair amount of violence/conflict, mild blushables, tissues needed
Those of you who follow me on Nayu's Realm know how excited I'm getting about books. From the previous review, a new genre had opened up for me; military fantasy. This book, first in what was a trilogy, but now has five books (I think one is a prequel but I'm not certain), has me whoohooing a lot. It's set in Japan!!!! (for an anime/sushi/manga loving reviewer, this is lovely).
This book also had surprises.
#1 Again, a male protagonist! They're everywhere, I tell you. However, there is a second protagonist, who's female, and other strong female characters who play relatively major roles.
#2 Different styles of points of view are used. For the male, Takeo, first person is used. The style was well written, overall the writing style has me wanting to be back in ancient Japan. For the female, Kaede, the third person POV is used. I can't think off the top of my head a book which uses such different view points. I mentioned to a friend it was strange, but it works.
I couldn't stop reading. The style had my mind conjuring up a clear image of the surroudings. I felt strongly for Takeo, the horrors he faced and who he has to become by the end of the book. I was in near tears at some points for his behalf (rare with male POV). As for Kaede – she may not be an amazing fighter, but when it counts she can hold her own. I wished there were pictures of all the costumes here; having seen photos of kimonos and other Japanese outfits I'd have loved a gallery for this book. Clothes are normally a side issue in novels for me, but these captured my imagination.
Amidst the fighting, both open and discreet between the Japanese lords, is the underlying romance between Kaede and Takeo. It is delicately written, with perhaps 2 paragraphs which nearly had me thinking '!' but took events no further than necessary. The ending isn't a HEA by any means. But then, it is only the first book.
Looking back at the books I read, I discover a love for people who have a power or skill that they nurture of the course of the story, a love for values of honour, a love for teachers and guardians. All of these concepts are embraced in Takeo's story.
There isn't anything I can grumble about for this book, so I thought I'd explain the concept of a nightingale floor. Don't worry, this information is given in the book blurb. A nightingale floor sings for its owner: no-one is supposedly able to cross it without it 'singing' out at each footstep. That isn't the case for one character, which changes the course of the region's political history forever.
Originally I was going to review this series as a whole, but after reading AtNF, each book needs its own review.
Lian Hearn can be found here.
Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe by James M Ward (Fiction, Fantasy, 8/10E)
2005, Tor, 288 pages
Content: a little fighting, lots of action
Before I get to the review, I would like to share a few surprises.
1) The protagonist is male.
I openly confess I prefer female protagonists. I relate to them easier. In my imagination, I am them as I read the book. I can truly transport myself into the world within the pages. I have read books with male protagonists, and lately, it seems like I'm reading more of them. I'm even enjoying it!
2) There's a new genre in fantasy – military sci-fi/fantasy!
After a recent trip to Maryland, home to the US naval Academy, I'm in a pro-military frame of mind, especially shis. When I saw the title for this book, I picked it up without reading the blurb. I'm over the moon that a whole sub-genre exists revolving around one of my current fascinations.
Now that's over with, on with the review!
As the title suggests, this book tells the story of Halcyon Blithe, a midshipwizard freshly out of training. For those thinking midship-what? A midshipman is the name awarded to the lowest (or, according to some sources, second lowest) rank in the US navy. In this story, Midshipwizard is exactly what it suggests: a wizard in the navy. Magic and warfare go hand in hand.
The thing which I like most about Halycon, is that he isn't perfect. He shines in some areas, and is very green in others. He makes mistakes in the story, mistakes which threaten the lives of everyone on board the living dragonboat. I found it was his character, and times humerous interactions with the rest of the crew which kept me reading. There are a few females, but no smush here!
I guessed wrongly about the end of the book, and who the traitor was. I immediately wanted to reread it to spot the clues hinting towards the traitor.
The only thing preventing me from giving this a full star rating is the fact that I kept thinking 'where's the action?'. Don't get me wrong, I loved learning all the ins and outs of life for the midshipwizard, the strange rituals which recruits don't hear about until they happen, the sheer volume of daily tasks that need performing on a ship. I loved the idea of a living boat (well, I grew up with a few living space ships thanks to Anne McCaffrey). The major plot line remained subtle for a fair amount of the story. When things heated up, they did move along at a reasonable pace, and there were moments of 'how will Halcyon survive?'
The good news is, there's a sequel available now: Dragonfrigate Wizard Halcyon Blithe. I'm hoping to get my hands on a copy so I can review it here.
James M Ward doesn't appear to have a home page. There are several sites hosting information about them, so go check them out.
Disclaimer: if any information in this review is incorrect, please contact me so I can amend it.
Thursday 7 May 2009
The Lady in the Tower, by Marie-Louise Jensen (Young Adult, 10E/10E)
Content: mild romance, a little violence, tissues needed
Marie-Louise Jensen can be found here.
Wednesday 6 May 2009
A Sorcerer's Treason by Sarah Zettel (Fiction, Fantasy, 8/10E)
Paperback, Voyager, Harper Collins Publisher, 2002, 595 pages
Content: Lots of tension, some blushables, tissues needed
Saturday 2 May 2009
Between Two Seas by Marie-Louise Jensen (Young Adult, 10/10E)
2008, Oxford University Press