All posts by skyebjenner

The Battle of Life by Charles Dickens

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the battle of life charles dickens book cover

Title: The Battle of Life
Author: Charles Dickens
In: A Christmas Carol and Other Holiday Treasures (Charles Dickens)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Classics
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1846
5th sentence, 74th page: But, as I have observed that Time confuses facts occasionally, I hardly know what weight to give to his authority.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

The Battle of Life: A Love Story is a novella by Charles Dickens, 1st published in 1846. It’s the 4th of his five “Christmas Books”, coming after The Cricket on the Hearth, followed by The Haunted Man & the Ghost’s Bargain.

The setting is an English village that stands on the site of a historic battle. Some characters refer to the battle as a metaphor for the struggles of life, hence the title.

Battle is the only one of the five Christmas Books that has no supernatural or explicitly religious elements. (One scene takes place at Christmas time, but it isn’t the final scene.) The story bears some resemblance to The Cricket on the Hearth in two aspects: it has a non-urban setting & it’s resolved with a romantic twist. It’s even less of a social novel than is Cricket. As is typical with Dickens, the ending is a happy one.

It’s one of Dickens’ lesser-known works & has never attained any high level of popularity, a trait it shares among the Christmas Books with The Haunted Man.

Thoughts

This is mostly in my Christmas shelf because it is one of Charles Dickens’ Christmas stories. There’s not really much of a Christmas theme to it, nor is it specifically set around the holiday season. Yet, somehow, it does feel that it belongs within this collection regardless.

As far as stories go, this is a pretty easy and quaint one. Two sisters take centre stage alongside their matrimonial plans. Marion is the one who is to marry, and it is from here that things spiral out of control. All throughout the love story, it seems to be a completely predictable journey. Until the third part, the part in which a quite unexpected twist takes place. One that highlights the love between sisters and makes you view the entirety of the first two parts in an entirely different light.

 <- The Cricket on the Hearth ReviewThe Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain Review ->
Image source: Feedbooks

Astronaut Nick by Brad R. Torgersen

Book Review, , ,
Overview
A Fantastic Holiday Season

Title: Astronaut Nick
Author: Brad R. Torgersen
In: A Fantastic Holiday Season (Kevin J. Anderson & Keith J. Olexa)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Science fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: World Fire Press
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “Meters deep,” Tessa said.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Jimmy lives on Mars and he misses his old home on Ceres. But, his new friend Tessa has been telling him about Astronaut Nick. An Astronaut who travels around at night in a giant rocketship sleigh and delivers toys to the children.

Thoughts

I loved the science fiction spin of this short story. I’ve read / seen / heard a lot of short stories that feature a child not believing in Santa, finding out he’s real and learning a strong life lesson. This,however, managed to give a great science fiction spin to a fairly traditional tale. It also worked as a way to remind us of the old adage that “home is where the heart is”.

I found the flow of this story a little slow, until I reached the point at which Astronaut Nick actually arrived. The description of his suit was brilliant – and highlighted how a space Saint Nick would work. I loved how every small, traditional thing that I recognise from traditional tales is reflected in Torgersen’s version. Yet, it is completely new and unique – certainly not the kind of story that I was expecting.

 <- Close Knit ReviewThe Longest Night Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Charlotte’s Web by Erin McCarthy

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for an enchanted season book cover

Title: Charlotte’s Web
Author: Erin McCarthy
Series: Cuttersville #2.25
In: An Enchanted Season (Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy & Jean Johnson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: But this is Ohio’s most haunted town according to those paranormal investigators.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Charlotte has been in love with Will for almost ten years, and this Christmas, something in their relationship is going to seriously change. Hopefully for the better.

Thoughts

I keep trying to find other things to read after finishing this novella. But nothing seems to compare to the vibrant and gorgeous innocence that runs rampant throughout this. Actually, the moment that I finished this, I jumped online and bought the other stories in the series. But, since I don’t tend to like reading ebooks, I now have to wait another month or more (probably more being Christmas time) until they arrive…

I was expecting something incredibly sad with the title of this story. I am still scared from the tale of the pig and the spider to be honest. So it was a pleasant surprise to find that there was nothing sad about this story what so ever. Charlotte has been in love with Will for years, and he with her. And, somehow the combination of Christmas and yearning helps to unleash Charlotte’s inner power. Or, you know… supernatural talents.

The combination of Christmas, romance, and passionate sex made this story hard to put down. Not the overbearingly cheesey Christmas story, but one that inspires love, romance and accepting your family… even if they are a little odd.

 <- Heiress for Hire ReviewChristmas Bree Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Overbite by Savannah Russe

Book Review, ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance

Title: Overbite
Author: Savannah Russe
In: The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!),
My Bookshelves: Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Not that he was a loser in the game of love.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

For this dentist, one late night customer is going to completely change his life. And possibly open the door for a future full of romance, and a woman named Bunny…

Thoughts

It’s always good fun to read short stories, or really, any stories that investigate the daily lives of the characters. And the fact that vampires also need dentists was something that I had never considered. And, although I found this storyline a little droll, I loved the idea that there is a man who decided to give up his life and become the dentist to the undead.

If I didn’t find the lead so boring and just… bleugh (hewants a blonde bimbo called Bunny… EW), I probably would have been completely obsessed with this story. As it was, I still enjoyed it. While contemplating smacking the silly dentist on the head…

 <- A Temporary Vampire ReviewHunter’s Choice Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Six by Marjorie M. Liu

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Holidays Are Hell

Title: Six
Author: Marjorie M. Liu
In: Holidays Are Hell (Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu & Vicki Pettersson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Strong women, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Fiction
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: His Chinese had an English accent, and he was tall and clean-cut, clad in a navy suit with a lilac tie.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Six is a well trained agent for China. It isn’t until she meets Joseph, a necromancer that she finally meets her match. And her first vampire. And that’s where things quickly begin to unravel.

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this novella. It’s fast-paced, kind of sassy and full of action. Not to mention the woman in the couple is the one more likely to kick your ass. That, and all of this fast-paced, sassy action takes place in Shanghai, with the backdrop of the Chinese New Year. The setting gives an extra layer of character and beauty to the storyline that I don’t often experience in novellas.

I enjoyed this version of “vampires”. It didn’t take the normal shape of blood-sucking fiends, but it did have the same thematic tones as other vampire stories. Mixing in a necromancer or two just helps to up the stakes and create a world that I’m really disappointed only exists in this one novella. I actually went online hunting to see if this is part of a greater series or word. But, alas, it isn’t.

Although I thoroughly enjoy the urban fantasy aspects of this tale, I think that the bit I enjoyed the most is the Chinese background. You can tell that Liu has spent time in Shanghai at the turn of the year, her familiarity almost screams from the page. The characters and the storyline won’t fail to draw you in, but it is the setting that has made this such a memorable tale for me.

 <- Run, Run, Rudolph ReviewThe Harvest Review ->
Image source: Harper Collins Publishers

Wolfish in Sheep’s Clothing by Marta Acosta

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

Title: Wolfish in Sheep’s Clothing
Author: Marta Acosta
In: The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5:  5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Romance,
Scottish romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: She flicked on the light and saw a desktop with a large monitor, neat files, and a silver cup filled with pens.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Kat is stranded in Scotland by herself when she comes across a dark and mysterious scottish gentleman. But will it be true love, or a calamity of mistakes?

Thoughts

This is a great modern Scottish romance. One that starts as a fling but seems to send the message that true love is possible in the most unexpected of places. Actually, I love the simple, modern story so much that I would almost give this a six out of five stars… it was just easy, sweet and actually imaginable as something that could happen in our daily existences.

I’m fascinated by ideas of The Sight, and it’s something that I do believe some people have. Both Kat and Calder are sent forth to find each other by women in their lives with The Sight, and it’s something that I know other women in my life have those “intuitive” moments.

This is one of those sweet and gorgeous stories that doesn’t really leave much to comment on. It’s just a nice, fun easy read to reward myself with in between studying.

 <- The Pagan Bride ReviewForever Knight Review ->
Image source: Hachette Australia

The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the cricket on the hearth charles dickens book cover

Title: The Cricket on the Hearth
Author: Charles Dickens
In: A Christmas Carol and Other Holiday Treasures (Charles Dickens)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Classics
Pace: Slow
Format: Novella
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1845
5th sentence, 74th page: I wouldn’t have missed Dot, doing the honours in her wedding-gown; my benison on her bright face! for any money.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

The title creature is a sort of barometer of life at the home of John Peerybingle and his much younger wife Dot. When things go well, the cricket on the hearth chirps; it is silent when there is sorrow. Tackleton, a jealous old man, poisons John’s mind about Dot, but the cricket through its supernatural powers restores John’s confidence and all ends happily.

Thoughts

Although this is a Christmas story, I don’t 100% see the connection. Having said that, I love the tale, and I love the emotional rollercoaster it takes you on. I just didn’t get the overwhelmingly Christmas-y feeling that I get from more modern tales set in the holiday season. Probably because this story had a lot to do with setting up that atmosphere and feeling.

Unlike the other Charles Dickens tales that I have recently read, this took me on a really serious roller coaster. Whilst the others did this, it certainly wasn’t to this point, and it made it that much more difficult to put down. The potential treachery of both the wife and the friend are hard, the conspiracy that runs through, and the spirit of the Cricket (which to me translates to the spirit of Christmas) all work incredibly well together.

I’m sure there are many potent and incredible meanings behind the words of The Cricket on the Hearth, but for me, it is a great, easy read. Characterised by Dickens’ fantastic style and writing, partnered with the lyrical speech of the 1800s. A great way to spend a slightly windy and blustering afternoon.

 <- The Chimes ReviewThe Battle of Life Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Chrysalis by Ronald Hore

Book Review, ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Chrysalis
Author: Ronald Hore
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Lucy wouldn’t come out of the water until he had gone inside.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Lucy’s parents never really wanted her, and she never really wanted them. But when she starts to undergo a bit of a change… things are all about to change.

Thoughts

I don’t think I’ve ever actually read a story that features a child of a vampire. There are so many about lovers, friends, family… but never one about a child. Nor have I ever read a story in which having a child is actually, well… possible. So this was surprising. And kind of weird to be honest.

From the beginning, it is clear that everything isn’t alright in this household, but, instead of clearly stating that there is a vampire in the house, it is insinuated beautifully. Actually, the word vampire never once is mentioned throughout. It is just hinted at, again and again and again. And then there is the change – and again, nothing is outright stated, but there is this great reading-between-the-lines feeling.

This story is certainly one that is great at showing and not telling. Something that not every good writer is able to do so neatly.

 <- Learning Curve ReviewMother of Miscreants Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Melting Frosty by Maggie Shayne

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for an enchanted season book cover

Title: Melting Frosty
Author: Maggie Shayne
In: An Enchanted Season (Nalini Singh, Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy & Jean Johnson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Merry Christmas.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide
Synopsis

Holly and Matt both have tragedies occurring around Christmas. Twelve years later, they’re thrown together and have to learn how to deal with their pasts, if there is any hope for the future.

Thoughts

This was a great, easy, happy Christmas read. One that reminded me of the reasons I love Christmas and making me want to go absolutely insane with the Christmas decorations this year. The title of this novella led me to believe that it would primarily be about snowmen and the song “Frosty the Snowman” kept playing in my head. It wasn’t, but it was still fun reading with the Christmas carol playing in the background.

I love the parallel stories of Matt and Holly in Melting Frosty. Both suffer a tragedy the Christmas near when they’re twelve. The trauma shapes both of the leads in completely separate ways. But somehow, this makes them perfectly matched for one another, and highlights the love and importance of family. It’s enjoyable watching the different ways in which very similar stories can affect two different people – in one it creates a sense of fully living in the moment, and the other, a need to completely distance himself from Christmas and all of the joy it involves.

There is something about Christmas that makes anything possible. I’m not sure if it’s all of the stories and movies that we always see during the holiday season, or just something that is culturally entrenched. Melting Frosty is a reminder that Christmas is all about love and treasuring one another. And one that I wish I could read again and again and again…

 <- An Enchanted Season ReviewCharlotte’s Web Review ->
Image source: Amazon

The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the witch of duva leigh bardugo book cover

Title: The Witch of Duva
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Language of Thorns (Leigh Bardugo)
In: Grishaverse Companion
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fairy tales, Fantasy, Illustrated
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Imprint
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: The trees are hungry tonight.

Synopsis

There was a time when the woods near Duva ate girls…or so the story goes. But it’s just possible that the danger may be a little bit closer to home. This story is a companion folk tale to Leigh Bardugo’s debut novel, Shadow and Bone.

Thoughts

I love the notes of a traditional fairy tale throughout this story. The idea of “don’t go into the woods”. Be careful of the wicked witch. A young girls’ life being turned upside down by the remarriage of her father (after the mother has passed away). But this is where many of the similarities end.

The Witch of Duva goes to show that sometimes the danger is actually a lot closer to home than we realise. That the big unknown isn’t actually what’s scary and dangerous. It turns the traditional tales and themes on their head. Nadya is sent off in to the woods to protect her. Her step mother acts the way she does for a completely unexpected reason.

Bardugo does an amazing job of rewriting fairy tales with a spin, that, at least for me, feels far more realistic than the traditional stories. And this tale tells us that it is often that which is close to home that is the more terrifying and dangerous…

<- The Too-Clever FoxLittle Knife ->

Image source: Goodreads