All posts by skyebjenner

Billy Thunder and the Night Gate by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Billy Thunder and the Night Gate: Isobelle Carmody: 9780141300986 ...

Title: Billy Thunder and the Night Gate
Author: Isobelle Carmody
Series: The Gateway Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Family, Fantasy, Young adult
Dates read: 10th – 15th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Puffin Books
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Covering it over, she thought is was much better in sotires, where no one ever seemd to have to go to the toilet or eat or bathe.

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Synopsis

Rage Winnoway’s mother has been asleep since she had a terrible accident. In a quest to find healing magick, Rage and her animal friends travel through a strange gateway to Valley, a land of mythical beasts, talking dogs and streets that change shape.

But Valley is no paradise. Harsh guardians rule a sinister black city, and fugitive witch folk work forbidden magick.

Rage desperately wants to go home, but the one person who can help her, a wizard, has disappeared. Her only guides are the treacherous firecat and an enchanted hourglass…

Thoughts

I first read this book when I was a lot younger. And it’s been a long time since I’ve had the pleasure of picking it up. But now that I have… wow. It’s just as good as I remember. I picked up so many new nuances and moments throughout. And, having had the pleasure of actually talking to the author for an interview once, I can also see a bit more of her personality through the pages. All of which I found exceedingly pleasurable and wonderful. Fun and still impossible to put down, even if I did know exactly what was going to happen…

As a child, I related a lot to Rage and her loneliness. That, and her extreme attachment to her dogs. As an adult, I really haven’t changed. I still feel like I don’t quite belong with the rest of my friends, and don’t actually have that many friends. And I have a super strong connection to my dogs. The main difference between then and now? I’m happy with that reality. I have managed to collect a few true friends that I enjoy spending my time with… and the rest of it? I’m more than happy in the pages of a great book like this with my dogs fighting for primo-lap space.

One of the things that I have always found characterises Carmody’s writing is the use of a message in her writing. In the case of this novel, it is that sometimes rules aren’t that good. Sometimes you need to break the rules and stand up for yourself if the situation asks for it. The other message is about love and family. Not leaving those you love behind and staying loyal and true to those whom you love. Both are integral, unforgettable aspects of this storyline and you walk away feeling like being yourself is enough. And that you should always try to stick around for the ones that you love.

There is nothing so good as returning to a well-loved story from your childhood. Except, maybe, returning to a well-loved story from your childhood and discovering that you love it just as much as an adult. After all, it can be a little crushing when your memories don’t quite hold up to the reality. That is certainly not the case for this novel. Whether your young or old, male or female, if you like fantasy… you’ll love this.

<- More Isobelle CarmodyThe Winter Door ->

Image source: Amazon

How I Met the Ghoul by Sofia Samatar

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: How I Met the Ghoul
Author: Sofia Samatar
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy
Dates read: 14th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: You could say it’s in my blood.

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Synopsis

It’s an interesting interview. One that was polite, intriguing, but not 100% remembered by the interviewer. This is how they met the ghoul.

Thoughts

This short story is about an interview. Which at the beginning I honestly found a little bit odd. I’ve read stories in interview format, diaries, dialogue, etc. But never a story that is a story about an interview. And then it leaves so many aspects of that interview out. It all makes it a wee bit confusing. But, ultimately, I actually understood why at the conclusion and found this style seriously enjoyable.

Ghouls aren’t something that I normally come across much in the stories I read, in fact, other than the Nicki Styx series, I’m not entirely sure I can think of another series of stories in which they feature. Which makes me seriously appreciate this short story. A unique paranormal creature and a different, contemporary way in which to deal with it. What isn’t there to like?

All in all, even though this was written in a format that I most definitely didn’t expect, it was definitely a fun read. Like most of the other stories in The Monstrous it dealt with the things that go bump in the night that we don’t normally think of. But, unlike the rest of the stories, it wasn’t quite so creepy and horrific. Mostly, it was just a good read that reminded me I should find some more “ghoul” books.

<- Doll HandsJenny Come to Play ->

Image source: Amazon

The House of Nine Doors by Ellen Kushner

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for sirens and other daemon lovers book cover

Title: The House of Nine Dorrs
Author: Ellen Kushner
In: Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Lust
Dates read: 13th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: EOS
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: You know how to help him get over that, surely.

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Synopsis

There are nine doors. Each and every one a doorway to your temptation. Your dreams. The things that make you want.

Thoughts

I really enjoy the little twists and turns that you find throughout Kushner’s short stories. Nothing is ever as it seems, and that intriguing, twiney journey always has a surprising ending at the completion. One that I always rush towards, because I like to be surprised.

Lust seems to be a pretty common occurrence in a lot of the books that I’m reading at the moment. So a story that is entirely based around a pleasure house. And entirely based around lust fits right into that theme. And no, I don’t know why it seems to be such a theme in my reading lately. It just kind of is. The secrets of lust and enjoyment in this story though feel almost pure… and made me love this short story even more.

Even the subheading for this short story is a great little hint in the subheading. The double entendre in this continues throughout the rest of the story, the dialogue, everything has a double meaning. Definitely the kind of short story that I think I’ll discover more and more each time I reread it.

<- Private WordsPersephone, Or Why The Winters Seem to Be Longer ->

Image source: Goodreads

Granny Rumple by Jane Yolen

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for black thorn white rose book cover

Title: Granny Rumple
Author: Jane Yolen
In: Black Thorn, White Rose (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Dates read: 12th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Prime Books
Year: 1994
5th sentence, 74th page: Story tells us that the little devil, the child stealer, the black imp was thwarted.

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Synopsis

A different take on an old classic. And somehow, so much more believable.

Thoughts

As always, I seriously enjoyed Yolen’s style of writing in this short story. There is always this sense of humour and wit that works its way into her writing. However, this time it wasn’t so overt… but mostly covert and intense. And seriously, seriously witty. Particularly when it’s a story based around Rumpelstiltskin…

Although the beginning of this story starts with an amazing dose of wit and humour, it does quickly become toned down. Quickly changes to a story that hits you a lot harder in the heart than was expected. Ending, this story also left you with a seriously powerful message that keeps you contemplating the “truth” behind the fairytales.

The fact that this story uses Jews in a past setting when they were villainised, and I’m actually currently researching hate crimes… it seems like fantastic timing. It’s awful, tragic and seriously hurtful. Made me think again and again of the minorities which are still viewed in the villainous role that we place characters like Rumpelstiltskin. Which I think was the entire point of this short story…

<- TattercoatsThe Sawing Boys ->

Image source: Goodreads

Private Words by Mark W. Tiedemann

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for sirens and other daemon lovers book cover

Title: Private Words
Author: Mark W. Tiedemann
In: Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Lust, Twisted romance
Dates read: 12th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: EOS
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: He seemed to think about it.

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Synopsis

Conny and William have been happily married for years. But there’s a catch… Geoffrey. And the power of the pen.

Thoughts

I knew that this story was going to be a little different – it’s in a collection of daemon, lustful stories after all. What I didn’t expect was that it would be far more contemporary than all of the other stories in this collection. That although there was a bit of a fantastical element to the story, it wasn’t a strong one like the other stories. Rather, it was a great little commentary about the ways in which we love and experience love.

This is not a situation in which I ever hope to find myself. In love with one man, but involved with another. Because of the man that I’m in love with. It’s not exactly healthy. And this story definitely made me constantly wonder who it was that Conny loved more. But it was also a tale of love. Not the love that I imagine for myself, but one that I’m sure does actually work for others.

I think that my favourite aspect of this short story is the fact that all of the weirdness occurs through the act of writing. The confusion, the intricacy and the constant questioning of what each character actually feels is all completely driven by the fact that William (Conny’s husband) is writing… and it makes things feel even more confusing and trippy. Which is brilliant. The pen is definitely mightier than the sword.

<- The Light That Passes Through YouThe House of Nine Doors ->

Image source: Goodreads

Lady Pirate by Lynsay Sands

Book Review, ,
Overview
Lady Pirate by Lynsay Sands

Title: Lady Pirate
Author: Lynsay Sands
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Pirates
Dates read: 25th April – 12th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: A seed surrounded by white and pink gook stuck to the end of his pink-stained finger.

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Synopsis

Valoree no longer has to masquerade as her murdered brother and scourge the oceans as Captain Red. She no longer has to command his pirate band in a quest to regain his birthright. She has been named heir to Ainsley Castle. But no execturo would ever hand over the estate to an unmarried pirate wench and her infamous crew – no matter to whom she’d been born. And the will distinctly states that in order to inherit, Valoree must be married to a nobleman… and pregnant.

Upon learning that, the virgin captain is ready to return to the seas – but her crew has other ideas – and for those rascally cusses she would do anything. If they could find a way to put on her a sweet face that would fool the ton, she would handle the rest, even with a drunken prostitute as an “aunt” and her merry cutthroat crew as “servants”. But to herself she swears one thing: she will only marry a man who fires her blood, a man who is not afraid of a…
Lady Pirate

Thoughts

It took me a little while to get through this… not that I wasn’t in love with the story, but I did find that it didn’t completely grab me like the other books I’ve recently read by Sands. Once I got halfway through the book though, I was completely hooked into it. I mean, you knew that Valoree and Daniel were going to end up together, so it wasn’t such a get hooked into it book… but once I got there… wow. I just demolished it.

The idea of a clause in a will stating that you must be married and expecting was a new story plot that I wasn’t expecting. I actually felt a little bit mad at first, but then realised that both man and woman were in this position, so it wasn’t so horrifying. Still a stupid little clause. Which of course, when it started appearing that they were finally going to be getting the upper hand, I started to get sucked in.

For me, the standout point in this story is the pirates. Alright, the romance is sweet and beautiful. But, it’s the awkwardness of the pirates trying to fit into the nobility and make Valoree become something more that really hit me in my happy place. It’s that great image of bright pink livery that seems to sink into my subconscious whenever I think about this novel.

There is such a great, easy, good feeling, little read. Alright, there area few moments where I felt kind of irritated. But, mostly, it was just cute and simple. A nice little story that made me feel that nice, gooey feeling full of love and hope. Alright, love is never this damn simple… but it is sometimes nice to think this way. Plus, there is also that great little Sands twist at the end of this story that makes all those final moments just fall together.

<- A Lady in DisguiseLove is Blind ->

Image source: Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

The First Kiss by Julia Quinn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for lady whistledown strikes back book cover"

Title: The First Kiss
Author: Julia Quinn
In: Lady Whistledown Strikes Back (Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins & Mia Ryan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Dates read: 12th May 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Avon
Year: 2004
5th sentence, 74th page: Peter was sure of it.

Synopsis

Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season’s most desired debutante…and must prove he is out to steal the lady’s heart, not her dowry.

Thoughts

As always, this is a seriously sweet and cute novella. Quinn manages to infuse all of her works with a great sense of humour and love. Her wittiness and ability to make even the most undesirable of situations feel completely sweet and hopeful… just gorgeous. In this story, a girl grieving for her dead brother and his fortune hunter best friend are thrown into each others’ lives and the realisation that maybe Harry is still working from beyond the grave. Or at least, that’s kind of how it felt to me…

I love that the girl in this story is a lot less pushy and intense than some of the other women in Quinn’s novels. She’s still independent and unique, but she’s a lot less intense than some of the other women. A nice little departure. I relate better to the intense women, but it’s nice sometimes to just read something that feels like a bit of fluff and doesn’t leave me feeling weirdly attached to the protagonist woman.

The cameo appearance of Penelope in this novella might be one of my favourite aspects of this novella. The fact that Tillie wants to make better friends with her for her constant kindness and recognises the lack of joy in being a wallflower is genuinely amazing. And, it helps to further tie this collection and novel into the world of the Bridgertons.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella and was seriously disappointed when I turned that final page. There is just something cute and wonderful about this story that left me with a huge smile on my face. Which was nice, particularly since I was feeling a bit mopey and alone when I read it…

<- Lady Whistledown Strikes BackThe Last Temptation ->

Image source: Goodreads

On the Divide by Willa Cather

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: On the Divide
Author: Willa Cather
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 12th May 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It would sometimes have been hard to distinguish the men from their evil geniuses but for one fact, the men were always grave and were either toiling or praying, while the devil’s were always smiling and dancing.

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Synopsis

It’s hard making a life on the divide.

Thoughts

This was an easy, light read. One that I didn’t really think much about after turning the final page. And one that I seriously enjoyed while reading. There was just something light and soft about this western short story.

I really liked the description of the western setting throughout this short story. Unlike the other westerns I’ve read thus far in the The Mammoth Book of Westerns collection, the description was much, much more vivid. Far more beautiful and intense. And just downright gorgeous.

There’s really not all that much I have to say about this short story. It was nice, fun, easy and light. It wasn’t all that unforgettable. But it was the kind of short story that I like to read late at night.

<- The Bride Comes to Yellow SkyBad Penny ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

I Like Your Rotation by Jax Jacki Brown

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for kindred 12 queer book cover

Title: I Like Your Rotation
Author: Jax Jacki Brown
In: Kindred (Michael Earp)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, LGBTQI
Dates read: 12th May 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Walker Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: What if I could have a friend, like an actual cool friend?

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Synopsis

For this young girl just discovering herself, finding another LGBTQI+ girl who has the same disability as her is the best thing ever. But, then she has to contend with some unwanted emotions and experiences…

Thoughts

This year I’ve been steadily expanding my shelves to include more inclusive tales – neurodiverse, LGBTQI+, etc. What I realised on reading this is that I don’t have any good books about people in wheelchairs, amputees, etc. Definitely something that I want to improve on if anyone has any suggestions! But, this was a great start regardless…

The love interest in this story is seriously passionate, and more than willing to alienate people and argue for her rights. And so she should. I love that her point of view is very independent and organic, highlighting her needs and desires when that would sometimes not be so possible. It’s a great lesson for the friend that she makes within this story – that it’s okay to be difficult and emotional, you’re human and being in a wheelchair doesn’t mean that you can’t be. Or at least, that’s the big thing I got out of her character.

Although there isn’t that sweet, happily ever after ending to this story, it is still really, really good. There is a sense of finding oneself and discovering your own worth. Something that everyone needs to do, but, in the case of some people, like the protagonist of this short story, is a little bit more difficult. I imagine her wheeling off into her future and finding another happily ever after that she just wasn’t quite expecting.

<- Bitter DraughtSweet ->

Image source: Bookdepository

Tattercoats by Midori Snyder

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for black thorn white rose book cover

Title: Tattercoats
Author: Midori Snyder
In: Black Thorn, White Rose (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings
Dates read: 11th May 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Prime Books
Year: 1994
5th sentence, 74th page: I think I shall retire now.

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Synopsis

A fantastic retelling of a classic fairy tale… with a more adult spin.

Thoughts

This is one of those retellings that is reminiscent of a number of fairy tales that I’ve read. Which was a nice journey. It’s definitely a fairy tale / retelling that I have always enjoyed, so I was excited to read this. And, boy, I wasn’t disappointed by this retelling. Not only was it a great fantasy retelling, but it was also a great tale about rediscovering your love and your life after that initial honeymoon period is over… something that I think is often overlooked in many stories we read.

The story of the woman with the three dresses and the way in which she wins her loves’ heart is one that I seriously treasure. Especially after reading North Child. This isn’t quite that story, but it does have those great echoes, and it is the story about her daughter. The daughter who also found her own happily ever after. But, after childbirth and years being comfortable with your spouse, things are less romantic and infatuated. Which is kind of sad, but something I think that everyone who ahs been in a long term relationship experiences. The woman in this uses the gifts of the past that her mother gave her to set about recapturing her husbands’ attention and affections. Although, the responsibility for this is not just on her, she isn’t the only one who has let her relationship slip, and she’s not the only one who decides to fight to get it back.

At the beginning of this story, I loved the way in which the woman drew her husband back into her arms. Then, towards the middle I started to get a little worried. She was happy because she had her husband back, but then, he didn’t know it was her… but, the ending made all of this became obsolete and there was a happily ever after. And the awkward feelings went away.

<- The Goose GirlGranny Rumple ->

Image source: Goodreads