All posts by skyebjenner

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Princess DiariesTitle: The Princess Diaries
Author: Meg Cabot
Series: The Princess Diaries #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper Teen
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: I mean, even though everybody at Albert Einstein High School thinks I’m a freak, I’m sort of getting used to it.

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

Synopsis

What? A Princess? Me??? Yeah, right.

Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there’s nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine, flat-chested freshman, who also happens to be flunking Algebra.

Is she ever in for a surprise.

First Mom announces that she’s dating Mia’s Algebra teacher. Then Dad has to go and reveal that he is the crown prince of Genovia. And guess who still doesn’t have a date for the Cultural Diversity Dance?

Thoughts

I got this book yesterday, and bought it because, well, I love the movies. Which is why I wasn’t really expecting to love the books. Generally, I love the movies, or I love the books, but almost never both. Actually, I think that this is the first time I’ve fallen head over heels for both. They’re just different enough that I wasn’t 100% sure of what was going to happen, but so similar that it was that same story that I grew up watching and made me fall in love with Anne Hathaway.

So about the actual book… I loved the diary style of the writing. I haven’t actually read a book like this that I’ve enjoyed, normally there is this feeling of too contrived or teenage angst that I find frustrating. But, although there was a dose of teenage drama and angst (after all, it’s a fourteen-year-old girl we’re talking about), it wasn’t done in a painful manner. Actually, it was incredibly cute and made me feel like I was talking to a good friend. Which of course drew me further into the tale and Mia’s troubles. Sometimes it felt like talking to a slightly dramatic, overwhelmed teenage me. Which is really what you want when reading a story about a fourteen-year-old.

Yet, although Mia is a teenager and angsty, and has her moments of, dare I say it, princess behaviour, she is also incredibly real and solid. She believes in saving the whales, is a vegetarian, and although she constantly states her issues with confrontation, very sure of who she is. She’s just not overly great at arguing with people. To begin with, she seems to find her own way to stick up for herself and her beliefs as the story develops, which of course, makes me love her even more!

For a really good, easy, uplifting read, I definitely recommend this book. It was easy to digest, but fun, witty and had this great sense of ‘be yourself’ throughout it. Now I just have to wait for the next one to arrive…

 <- Perfect Princess Review Princess in the Spotlight Review ->
Image source: Open Book Society

Puss-in-Boots by Angela Carter

Book Review, , ,

Overview

Puss-in-BootsTitle: Puss-in-Boots
Author: Angela Carter
In: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories (Angela Carter)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Feminism
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Vintage
Year: 1979
5th sentence, 74th page: Mask the music of Venus with the clamour of Diana!

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Synopsis

In “Puss-in-Boots,” Carter uses to one of the best-known fairy-tale cliches, the imprisoned princess, to examine the objectification and subjugation of women. In the traditional tale, a beautiful and virginal princess is trapped in a remote tower that is guarded by a dragon, which the hero must kill in order to save and marry her. In “Puss-in-Boots,” the beautiful virgin is trapped in a tower in the middle of town

Thoughts

Casanova with a cat sidekick. That’s pretty much what I got from this story. I actually had to start it three times before I was ready to really delve into the story. And, after the first two pages, I was actually entranced.

Yes, this story was Casanova told from the point of view of a lustful cat. And yes, it was a little weird that the cat was so keen to get his Master laid. But, it actually worked brilliantly. The true love of the Master was also completely able to take care of herself, and had a will of her own. Actually, she was a pretty big part in the overtaking of the evil husband (for what story is complete without one?). And honestly, I just loved the happy ending.

 <- The Tiger’s Bride Review The Erl King Review ->
Image source: Artist Daniel Mackie, Artist behind The DM Collection

The Snow Child by Angela Carter

Book Review, ,

Overview

The Snow ChildTitle: The Snow Child
Author: Angela Carter
In: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories (Angela Carter)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Classics
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Vintage
Year: 1979
5th sentence, 74th page: The Countess reined in her stamping mare and watched him narrowly; he was soon finished.

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

Synopsis

A Count and Countess are riding in midwinter, when the count, seeing the snow on the ground, wishes for a child “as white as snow”. As soon as he makes his wish, a young woman of the exact description appears…

Thoughts

It’s like a really twisted, warped snow white. And for just two pages, it certainly packed a punch!

I really don’t know how I feel about this short story actually. A man wishes for a woman, he gets her, ditches his wife for her, and then a rose is formed. It is a really nice ‘how-roses-were-made-esque’ story. But it’s also kind of a reminder that some men can be pigs.

For such a short tale, there are a lot of feelings that I got from The Snow Child. Yet, I can’t actually put my finger on why. Maybe I’ll just have to read it a few more times…

 <- The Erl-King Review The Lady of the House of Love Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Grave Peril

Title: Grave Peril
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: I began to compel it by the Holy Word, and it went quite mad.

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

Harry Dresden – Wizard
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden has faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. It comes with the territory when you’re the only professional wizard in the Chicago-area phone book.

But in all Harry’s years of supernatural sleuthing, he’s never faced anything like this: The spirit world has gone postal. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble – and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly. Someone – or something – is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry? If Harry doesn’t figure it out soon, he could wind up a ghost himself….

Thoughts

I swear that this series just keeps on getting better and better. Every time I open the page on a new Harry Dresden adventure, he seems to have stuck his foot further into some mess, found some new and incredibly enemies (and sidekicks), and just generally managed to work out a way to get himself into deeper shit.

Normally in crime books you can see where the red herrings come up, even when you can’t quite see who the real villain is. And, I thought that I had figured out where the red herring was in Dresden’s newest trials. Boy was I wrong. Boy, oh boy, oh boy. Which, for me, is the best possible thing. After all, who wants to actually know where the story is going every single time? Who wants to be able to guess what happens next all the time?

There was also the blooming romance between Susan and Harry that made this story so intriguing. I’m still convinced that Murphy and Dresden make the perfect couple, but Susan and Harry work fantastically as well. His inability to tell her his feelings have unforeseen and really severe consequences, but it is also a great glimpse into Harry’s twisted past. The combination of a love interest, ghosts gone world and a vindictive fairy godmother have left me searching through my book room (I really have to get myself a bookcase) for the next book… now where did I put Summer Knight?

<- B is for Bigfoot ReviewSummer Knight Review ->
Image source: Shastrix

B is for Bigfoot by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Under My Hat

Title: B is for Bigfoot
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #2.5, Bigfoot Trilogy #1
In: Under My Hat (Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: I’m not a moron, usually.

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

B is for Bigfoot is a short story in The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. It is set between Fool Moon and Grave Peril. It can be found in Under My Hat: Tales From the Cauldron, and was later included in Working for Bigfoot.

Thoughts

Everyone has had some kind of interaction with a bully. Whether it is being one, witnessing one or being the target, everyone has had some experience. I think it’s this universal fact with the dash of paranormal fantasy that made this short Dresden Files story so fun.

Starting with a very weird first introduction, Harry is put on the trail of protecting Bigfoot’s son. Yup, you heard that right, bigfoot has a great appearance in this story! And I’m a little in love with him to be honest… but, it is his son who really steals the spotlight (and isn’t that how it should be?)

Although Harry takes part in Irwin’s (Bigfoot Junior) escape from his bullies, nothing is ever simple and he comes up against a few more paranormal bumps in the road. And, ultimately, it is the reminder that sometimes we should fight for what is right that really wins out the day. Or at least, it does for me. I can’t wait for the next time we meet Bigfoot and Bigfoot Junior!

<- Fool Moon ReviewGrave Peril Review ->
Image source: Frances Hardinge

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Fool MoonTitle: Fool Moon
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: Both of us looking for the killer?

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

Synopsis

Harry Dresden–Wizard
Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment.

Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn’t been able to dredge up any kind of work–magical or mundane.

But just when it looks like he can’t afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.

A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses–and the first two don’t count…

Thoughts

You know it’s a good book when you stay up until 2am just to finish it. Alright, I might do that a little more than is healthy. But, basically, I was so desperate to see where Harry was going to find himself this time that I just couldn’t put it down. And believe me, I tried.

Following the events of Storm Front, Dresden and Murphy aren’t quite friends, Harry has no money and he is still contemplating the true depths of the darkness of his soul. And honestly, for a while, it doesn’t get any better from there. Chasing werewolves, trying to protect Murphy and dealing with a major conspiracy theory leaves poor Harry running around injured, exhausted and, to add insult to injury, making deals with demons. Although, his deal with the demon does kind of hint at some very interesting future storylines about his ancestry… certainly something that I can’t wait to delve further into.

Really, I should have clicked from the title that this novel would be about werewolves. But I didn’t, and it was a fun little surprise in the opening scenes. So was Butcher’s take on how they operate. It wasn’t the straightforward, repetitive werewolf that you see in most stories, but as with the practice of potion making and just magic in general. I love that the Dresden Files world is so well thought out with laws and natures that govern magic, as with everything else. And the unique way in which Butcher does this… yummo.

Fool Moon took me from enjoying the Dresden Files to feeling insanely compelled to keep reading the and kind of desperate to find more time and money to immerse myself in the rest of the stories.

<- Storm Front Review B is for Bigfoot Review ->
Image source: Mobile Read

Reading, Reading, Reading

Blog, , , ,

Reading

The end of September and my first month of participating in reading challenges has come to a close. And it’s been a really fun experience! I have this incredibly frustrating habit of picking up one series, reading a book or two and then switching to another… by completing reading challenges, I’m able to find an excuse to read books that are part of a series that I may have put down a year ago.

I’m never quite sure whether my inability to stick to one series (or even one book at a time) is just a product of my own jumpy mentality, or whether it’s due to the hyperactivity of the internet and our current ideas. I’m the same with TV series, study, really anything. I tend to jump from one aspect to another without even blinking. Hence the fact that I have, to date, started (and not finished) sixty-nine book series. And I’m in the middle of thirty TV shows.

Needless to say, I have a little bit of a problem with jumping from fascination to fascination. Which is where the reading challenges come in. There are a lot of books and series that I want to finish, and it’s kind of hard to decide which one to read next. Sometimes I am in a really specific mood, and the decision comes easily. At others, I find it impossible to choose between one thing and another. Maybe this is my problem – there is so much that I enjoy and love, and it is impossible to decide which things to pursue.

I’m not really sure why other people like to do reading challenges. Maybe they’re like me and just have too much to read. Maybe they would like to read more and require a goal (I normally have to stop myself from reading). And maybe they just like the communities that you become part of by immersing themselves in such a community. It certainly was not my first aim when I decided to partake in reading challenges, but it was a great side-benefit.

And now that I have completed all of the September challenges that I signed up for, I am going to get started on my October ones. Certainly looking forward to it!

Image source: PrepScholar Blog

September 2017

List,

September 2017

The nice weather is coming back, so I probably shouldn’t have spent as much time holed up inside with study or a good book…

Image source: Bibilm

Welcome to the Jungle by Jim Butcher

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

Welcome to the JungleTitle: Welcome to the Jungle
Author: Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Graphic novel, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Wizards
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Publisher: Ballantine books
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: Like the man said… “Smile, you son of a bitch.”

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

Synopsis

When the supernatural world spins out of control, when the police can’t handle what goes bump in the night, when monsters come screaming out of nightmares and into the mean streets, there’s just one man to call: Harry Dresden, the only professional wizard in the Chicago phone book. A police consultant and private investigator, Dresden has to walk the dangerous line between the world of night and the light of day.

Now Harry Dresden is investigating a brutal mauling at the Lincoln Park Zoo that has left a security guard dead and many questions unanswered. As an investigator of the supernatural, he senses that there’s more to this case than a simple animal attack, and as Dresden searches for clues to figure out who is really behind the crime, he finds himself next on the victim list, and being hunted by creatures that won’t leave much more than a stain if they catch him.

Written exclusively for comics by Jim Butcher, The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle is a brand-new story that’s sure to enchant readers with a blend of gripping mystery and fantastic adventure.

Thoughts

I love a good graphic novel. Especially when it’s one that features a much loved character from a series that I’ve quickly become obsessed with.

Graphic novels as an addition to a series of novels can be kind of risky – they are very different ways of telling a story, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate well across the two mediums. And, quite frankly, that’s what I was half expecting from Welcome to the Jungle. After all, the thing that I love most about The Dresden Files is Harry’s wit and sass. And, of course, the immensely awkward positions he gets into. And most of these are told through his voice. So, I was a little curious (not to mention tentative) about how this really distinctive voice and character would be translated into images. Pictures might tell a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean that they’re going to be a good thousand words… but I worried for no reason. This medium worked amazingly.

“Welcome to the jungle, bitch.” – possibly one of the best and sassiest lines that Dresden has delivered in our short acquaintance.

<- A Restoration of Faith Review Storm Front Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Company of Wolves by Angela Carter

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Company of WolvesTitle: The Company of Wolves
Author: Angela Carter
In: The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories (Angela Carter)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Dark fantasy, Werewolves
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Vintage
Year: 1979
5th sentence, 74th page: He strips off his shirt.

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

Synopsis

The wolf is described as an evil thing. The first story is about a witch that turned a whole wedding ceremony into wolves. She likes them coming to her cabin and howling their misery for it soothes her. The following story is about a young lady and a man that are about to have sex on their wedding night. As they get ready, the husband says he needs to stop and relieve himself in the forest. The wife waits and he never returns. Off in the distance you can hear a wolf howling. She then figures her husband will never return and marries a new man. With her new husband she bears children. Her first husband comes back and sees his wife and the story unravels… Later we meet a girl walking in the woods. She was loved by everyone and feared nothing. She made a deal with a hunter; whoever can get to the grandmothers house first wins. If the hunter wins she owes him a kiss. She lets the hunter win because she wants to kiss him. The hunter arrives at the grandmothers house but she’s frail and sick, holding a Bible for protection. The last thing she sees is the young man at the foot of her bed…. “See! sweet and sound she sleeps in granny’s bed, between the paws of the tender wolf.”

Thoughts

The ultimate story of seduction over the wild beast. Kind of a spin on Little Red Riding Hood but with a far cooler ending. After all, the big teeth ultimately lead to a happily ever after… of sorts.

The story doesn’t just tell the story about the young girl with the red hood though. It displays the wolf as an evil thing – it is a creature turned by witchcraft. It is a killer and the scariest thing in the woods. No one wants to cross the wolf. Yet, the most beloved, and innocent of all the village goes into the woods and somehow manages to find a way to belong in the company of wolves.

 <- The Werewolf Review Wolf Alice Review ->
Image source: Wikipedia