All posts by skyebjenner

A Captain of the Gate by John Birmingham

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

A Captain of the GateTitle: A Captain of the Gate
Author: John Birmingham
Series: The Disappearance Companion
In: Legends of Australian Fantasy (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, History
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: McKinnon, a great man by any measure, flawed as are all men, celebrated and reviled, a creator-destroyer of the first order, lies beneath a simple tombstone because he demanded it to be so.

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Synopsis

A ′What if′ story of the Cold War … a small piece of alternate history of the period told via a biography of one of its players, Lieutenant Branch McKinnon, an adventurer in a different post-WWII world of American isolationism.

Thoughts

I just don’t know what I think about this short story. I liked the tone, I liked the way in which it was written, but I wasn’t really sure whether or not it was even a story until I got to the afterword. I just don’t know enough about the history of World War II or even the Allied Nations to actually pull apart this fictional historical biography.

Once I got to the end of A Captain of the Gate, I loved and completely understood the concept of what the point of these 60 pages was. The idea of rewriting a history for all the ‘what ifs’ was brilliant. And the use of a hero (or villain) of this war’s biography and personal history worked well too. But, as someone who knows next to nothing about historical events (I swear I slept through that class), much of the intricacies of this storyline completely flew over my head.

Maybe if I did some research, I would understand (and enjoy) this story better.

 <- Tribute to Hell Review The Magic Word Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

 

An Unwelcome Guest by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: An Unwelcome Guest
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix) & Troll’s-Eye View (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Won’t do any good, but I’ll call,’ said Jenny.

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Synopsis

Garth Nix has a brilliant spin on the traditional tale of Rapunzel… and how to get rid of spoilt brats.

Thoughts

I love new spins on old stories. After all, there is something about faery tales that brings us back again and again and again. And An Unwelcome Guest is a brilliant way to reimagine Rapunzel. Nix’s spin on such a classic left me outright laughing and grinning. It was cute, funny and not at all what I was expecting.

Like the well-known Wicked, An Unwelcome Guest takes the villain of the tale of Rapunzel (the wicked witch) and makes her good. It then twists Rapunzel into a spoilt brat under some kind of weird compulsion. Her rescue into an attempt to kick her out. And the happy ending a small girl running away in tears with her soccer boots still on. Like I said, it was a great way to twist and turn a well-known faery tale into something more and in my opinion, thoroughly enjoyable. Certainly much more humorous than the original tale anyway.

<- The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodil Murder Review The Highest Justice Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Stop! by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Stop!
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Ah, how I long to shed this vile form, the I may join him in heaven!

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Synopsis

An alien breaks into a top-secret nuclear facility. Why? To see if he can end his life?

Thoughts

It was a little difficult to get into the flow of this short story. Not so much because of the style of writing, or even the militant background, but just because in the creation of these short stories, it was quite a change of pace. A strange demon like creature walks out of the middle of nowhere and heads off towards a nuclear testing site. Not sure what couldn’t go wrong there really.

I loved the near suicidal tendencies of the lead scientist, and Nix’s ability to compress three in-depth backstories into only a handful of pages. The amount of information squished into this makes the story seem that much longer and more complex. Yet, in actual length, it was one of the shorter stories in the To Hold the Bridge collection. It’s also been one of the more confusing and confronting stories….

<- The Big Question Review Infestation Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

A Sidekick of Mars by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: A Sidekick of Mars
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: It was Indians that done this, leastways one particular Indian.

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Synopsis

Mars might get all of the credit, but his sidekick helped him conquer worlds again and again.

Thoughts

This short story kind of reminds me of Firefly – cowboys and spaceships.

Lam’s unique way of initially travelling between planets was kind of confusing. Although, that may be more due to his incredibly different voice. Normally, I love stories written in the first person. After all, what better way to immerse yourself in a character? But, there was something about the jumpy, pithy way in which this story was narrated that was both really enjoyable and incredibly frustrating. The tone was fantastic and satirical. But the actual tale in itself was kind of…meh. For lack of a better word.

One thing that this story did leave me feeling was the fact that there are so many worlds beyond our own. And it is such a weird, wonderful and just different place to explore. No wonder places like Mars have inspired so many writers (of both stories and film).

<- Master Haddad’s Holiday Review Peace in Our Time Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Pride and Prejudice

Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Series: World Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Romance, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Vintage Books
Year: 1813
5th sentence, 74th page: If you should have no objection to receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family, Monday, November 18th, by four o’clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se’nnight following, which I can do without any inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occassional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day.

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Synopsis

Elizabeth Bennet is young, clever and attractive, but her mother is a nightmare and she and her four sisters are in dire need of financial security and escape. The arrival of affable Mr Bingley and arrogant Mr Darcy in the neighbourhood, both single and in possession of large fortunes, turns all their lives upside down in this witty drama of friendship, rivalry, enmity and love.

Thoughts

No matter how many times I read this book, I am caught anew by the beauty of Austen’s words and the excellent story that is shaped by them. There’s a reason that this is such a well-known classic. Regardless of the quote, there are so many moments in this story that people immediately know, whether they’ve read it or not.

Although this is set in a time when people courted, danced and never touched until they were wed. And women only had matrimony to ensure their future happiness, much of this storyline is still relevant today. Which is honestly, probably why it’s still such a potent story today. The follies of both pride and prejudice litter the romance between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from the very beginning. Both are proud, stubborn creatures, and Mr. Darcy’s prejudice against Elizabeth’s inferior social position, leads to her own prejudice against his own standing and view of the world. Luckily for us all, they eventually find a way past this and one of the most epic love stories of classical literature wins its way into our hearts again and again.

Although Pride and Prejudice is a great story about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, I also love the storyline and romance of Jane and Mr. Bingley. Such innocent and sweet souls are completely meant for one another, and honestly, that simplicity and sweetness is completely unfathomable to me. It’s a fantastic way in which to balance out the more satirical and proud natures of their counterparts. And a nice way in which to balance out the tedious, frivolous antics of the rest of the Bennett family.

As soon as I’ve put Pride and Prejudice down, I’m always at a loss for what to do. Sometimes I want to pick it straight back up and read it again. At other times, I flip through book after book looking for something new to read. Something that can be comparable, I’m yet to find such a story.

<- PersuasionSense and Sensibility ->

Image source: Penguin

Peace in Our Time by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Peace in Our Time
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The threat was enough.

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Synopsis

Sometimes there’s only one way to find peace on earth… and I definitely wouldn’t suggest it!

Thoughts

I started this story loving the old man. I felt sympathy for this seemingly innocent creature standing alone in his garden, pruning the roses. Genuine concern when he was being interrogated by the unknown woman. But, as the story unfolded, I quickly switched my alliances.

It makes sense that this story was originally published in a steampunk collection – after all, the tick, tick, tick of the clockwork constantly takes centre place in the storyline. Even unwittingly, it bought to mind the beautiful clothing and array of styles dedicated to the steampunk outlook on life. Yet, it is not only about looking back on the beauties of an old way of life, but the joys of a new way (the future). Or in this case, the dangers that that could entail for future generations. After all, we’ve all been warned about killer robots before…

<- A Sidekick of Mars Review To Hold the Bridge Collection Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Master Haddad’s Holiday by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Master Haddad’s Holiday
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: We sort things out ourselves here.

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Synopsis

What does a master assassin do on holiday? What about when he is part of another universe and reality? Sells goods and kills others I suppose…

Thoughts

This is certainly not like any holiday that I would want to take. Skulking around in a slightly off-kilter, unusual world (which, after all, is the cornerstone of SciFi), selling goods and killing others. Yeah, definitely not the kind of holiday that I would like.

As with all science fiction stories, it took me a little while to figure out the rules and regulations of this futuristic world. They always seem to be almost the same as our reality, but only almost. So those little intricacies that are different to our day to day lives… well, they take a little time to get your head around. Yet, it wasn’t until the end of the story that I think I got my head around what Haddad was doing on this out of the way realm. I might have to read it again to be sure though….

<- The Highest Justice Review A Sidekick of Mars Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Infestation by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
To Hold the Bridge

Title: Infestation
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix) & By Blood We Live (John Joseph Adams)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘Does it look like we did?’ asked Susan with a shudder.

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Synopsis

Aliens and vampires are infesting the world, and there is only one man who can stop them. Yet, he has a dark past too.

Thoughts

Aliens and vampires – a combination that I never expected, thought of, or have experienced before. Yet, it is something that worked brilliantly in Infestation. Actually, I was really disappointed when this ended – I wanted to know more about the slightly weird, hippy-style main character. And I wanted to know how this epic war of aliens that left us with killing-machine vampires actually turned out. Did he win the war in the end? Did he bring back his creepy sounding captain?

Again and again I remember just why I love Garth Nix – not only does he know how to spin a great yarn. But he is also able to create a vivid world that teaches us lesson after lesson. In such a fantastically unforgettable way. In this case, the aliens left the bad things behind, and you should never try to play god.

<- Stop! ReviewThe Heart of the City Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Holly and Iron by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Holly and Iron
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: The cavemouth was hidden from them, but they could see at least forty Norman men-at-arms standing ready on the path below it, including half a dozen archers who stood in a semicircle, laughing and joking.

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Synopsis

Who is the rightful heir to the throne? Can one of these girls rule with both holly and iron? Only time and a final battle of wills can tell.

Thoughts

A very unique, and thoroughly enjoyable spin on The Sword in the Stone. With a little bit of a hint of Robin Hood thrown in. Or at least, that’s the flavour that I got from Holly and Iron. And it’s one that I thoroughly enjoyed. After all, they are two classic tales, and they blend seamlessly together in this fantastic short story.

The idea of holly magic and iron, natural and man-made is a beautiful comparison of the binary way in which we view the world. It shows the way in which so many people think that we are separate from nature, but, as Robin’s plight and eventual success show, it’s not necessarily the truth. Or at least, I have never thought it was.

There’s a time to pick your battles, and sometimes we have to change our path. Find something new to focus on and move on from the old. It may take Robin a long time to learn this, but when she does, there is a moment of unadulterated triumph, and a beautiful sense of walking into a brand new world.

<- Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West Review The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodil Murder Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Highest Justice by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Highest Justice
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5:  4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Dark fantasy, Easy reading
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: You’re the rightful type, I can tell.

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Synopsis

Princess Jess wants justice for her mother’s murder. So she finds someone to deliver the highest justice.

Thoughts

Who decides on justice? Where does it come from? What on earth is the highest justice?

Princess Jess’ journey kind of helps to look into these questions. It is an investigation into how justice can be dispensed, and more importantly, how it is often dispensed in medieval times. Jess’ desire to bring her mother’s murderer to justice and reunite her mother with the love of her life bring about a slightly obscure adventure. After all, there aren’t any other stories I’ve read that combine a Princess, a unicorn and a zombie…

<- An Unwelcome Guest Review Master Haddad’s Holiday Review ->
Image source: Goodreads