All posts by skyebjenner

The Heart of the City by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Heart of the City
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: ‘Dead,’ remarked De Vitray.

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Synopsis

The battle for the heart of the city begins. At its centre sits the donkey, the whore and the priest.

Thoughts

There is something fascinating about ancient Rome – after all, a lot of what we have today is based around this ancient civilisation. Which is probably why Nix decided to utilise this as a setting for this short story. The involvement of an Irishman and magic just made the tale all the more interesting to read.

It’s always nice to read a short story that has no obvious direction. After all, it’s nice to be pleasantly surprised once in a while. The Heart of the City did just that. Following MacNeacail through his adventures in trying to protect the city were intense, and vivid. The imagery created by the donkey, the whore and the priest just made it all the more odd and captivating.

Although I don’t delve into the intricacies of Christianity, it is rich with the mythos of angels and archangels. Nix harnessed this beautifully in The Heart of the City and at its conclusion, you sit there wondering if there is more to the tale – will the angels continue to protect the city? How has MacNeacail’s life changed. I love open ended conclusions to short stories, and this fit the bill perfectly.

<- Infestation Review Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder: As Experienced by Sir Magnus Holmes and Almost-Doctor Susan Shrike
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Crime, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘There is a… belief… among certain quarters, that flowers from a royal park, if cut with a silver knife at a particular time, will enormously enhance their natural poison.

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Synopsis

Magnus Holmes, Sherlock’s second cousin helps Scotland Yard to solve a mysterious murder that involves daffodils.

Thoughts

I love Sherlock Holmes. Alright, I haven’t (yet) read the originals, or the closest I can get my hands on to. But, there is something about the “elementary, my dear Watson” that is particularly appealing and, although The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils doesn’t quite follow Sherlock on his adventures, it comes pretty close.

The use of Magnus Holmes, Sherlock’s second cousin was kind of enjoyably brilliant. The addition of supernatural aspects and the Not-Quite Doctor Susan Shrike left a huge smile on my face as I turned the last page. I’m actually incredibly disappointed that this story ended, I would have loved to find out more about Magnus, Susan and the little blue pill… actually, what I really want to know is what does the little yellow pill do?!?!?!?!

<- Holly and Iron Review An Unwelcome Guest Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Big Question by Garth Nix

Book Review, , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: The Big Question
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, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: But the path down to the cave followed a very narrow, very steep, and very slippery ledge.

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Synopsis

A young man asks a wise woman ‘what else is there in the world?’ He finds his answer in the most intensive journey of a lifetime.

Thoughts

What else is there in the world? It’s a question that we all ask ourselves, especially when we’re growing up. Or at least, it’s a question that I ask myself on an almost daily basis. Is there more to the world? What else can I experience? Is my small life secluded, or peaceful?

In The Big Question, Nix takes the question of ‘what else is there?’ and sends a young boy on a journey to manhood. Not just to discover the answer to his question, but to experience the world, love, loss and the realms of humanity.

Sometimes it’s difficult to write a short story that spans years, it is a lot of time passing and information to slot into just a few small words. But this is beautifully done and has turned a simple coming of age story into one that I would love to read again and again and again.

<- A Handful of Ashes Review Stop! Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West
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, Fantasy, Spirituality
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Ambrose undid the ribbon and opened the box.

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Synopsis

Ambrose was once a soldier of the highest calibre. But, now, he’s retired. Or so he thinks. When an old friend contacts him for help, he has no choice but to join the fold again.

Thoughts

There was something quintessentially sweet about this story. Although, I had to get to the end of the tale to see that. The beginning, not so sweet, more damaged, a little sad and very lonely.

Epic wars that are fought in secret seem to be a recurrent theme throughout the short stories in To Hold the Bridge, and Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West is no different. The undercurrents of our society are dark anyway, so adding a supernatural spin to it is not only a logical next step, but a brilliantly engaging one.

The loneliness and darkness that surrounds Ambrose is eventually healed, but in a way that I certainly didn’t see coming. I love the fact that although Ambrose is reluctant to return to the war (and the fold), he still tries to do what is right. Believing in the power of the greater good. And, ultimately it leads to a greater good for him.

<- The Heart of the City Review Holly and Iron Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

To Hold the Bridge Collection by Garth Nix

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

To Hold the BridgeTitle: To Hold the Bridge Collection
Author: Garth Nix
In: To Hold the Bridge (Garth Nix)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Fantasy, Short story collections
Pace: Medium
Format: Collection
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘See you then!’ said Tangerine.

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

Synopsis

A short story collection, including an Old Kingdom novella, from author Garth Nix!

Far to the north of the magical Old Kingdom, the Greenwash Bridge Company has been building a bridge for almost a hundred years. It is not an easy task, for many dangers threaten the bridge builders, from nomad raiders to Free Magic sorcerers. Despite the danger, Morghan wants nothing more than to join the Bridge Company as a cadet. But the company takes only the best, the most skillful Charter mages, and trains them hard, for the night might come when only a single young cadet must hold the bridge against many foes. Will Morghan be that cadet?

Also included in this collection are eighteen short stories that showcase Nix’s versatility as he adds a fantastical twist on an array of genres including science fiction, paranormal, realistic fiction, mystery, and adventure.

Thoughts

Sometimes there’s nothing like sitting down and reading a great collection of short stories. Normally, I tend to read anthologies – stories from a number of authors covering a number of genres and suiting a wide array of readers. But occasionally, there is an author that I love so much that it is my greatest joy to spend a few days with them in all of their weird little worlds. Or at least, that’s how I feel about Garth Nix and this collection of short stories.

Admittedly, I originally bought To Hold the Bridge to read, well, To Hold the Bridge. But, thanks to the little graph on the back (telling me what was actually in this book), I was also introduced to worlds of vampires, struggle, and well, other worlds…

Nix’s break down of these short stories into smaller sections made it all the more simpler to enjoy and read this collection. After all, it is easy to figure out which one you want to read when they have subheadings such as: Creatures of Darkness and Light; Check Your Faint Heart at the Door; A Wink and a Nod…

Like I said, this collection is a fantastic way in which to spend a few days (or in my case, weeks), and I’m actually kind of sad that it’s over…

<- Peace in Our Time Review Vampire Weather Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

July 2017

List,

July 2017

July is supposed to be my quiet time, yet, somehow, it has turned out that I am running around even more than usual… but on a positive note, my own, personal library is almost unpacked…

Image source: My Cute Graphics

Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
on-the-prowl

Title: Mona Lisa Betwining
Author: Sunny
Series: Monere: Children of the Moon #2.5
In: On the Prowl (Patricia Briggs)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Or even by Blaec, Halcyon’s father, though he had been the tool in sending them on to the final darkness.

Synopsis

Among the children of the moon, Mona Lisa is of Mixed Blood- part Monere, part human, and destined to be alone. Then she meets a man who could be her salvation- or her downfall.

Thoughts

This novella sends goosebumps running up my arms – the raw sensuality of the words is enough to make you glance sneakily around for an audience. But the emotive descriptions of the night, the moon and the forests add to this heightened sense of reality which Sunny is able to so effortlessly create. This heady combination left me speechless and dreamy for a long time after finishing this novella – something that is incredibly difficult, believe me!

Mona Lisa’s grief and confusion at her feelings, lovers and new role in life are so tangible throughout the story. And it is Dontaine who appears to bear the brunt of her negativity – a man that reminds her of not only what she’s lost, but what she has unwittingly gained. However, his very compassion and understanding of her in ways that she is barely able to comprehend are such an endearing quality that you can only hope for his continuing presence in her life.

The vividness with which Sunny describes both the setting and Mona Lisa’s potent sexuality definitely makes this story feel more like a guilty pleasure than a bit of classical reading. The unabashed way in which she describes the couplings throughout the story are both erotic and romantic, a difficult balance for any writer to strike.

<- Buying TroubleOn the Prowl ->

Image source: Patricia Briggs

Snakeskin by Rob Thurman

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
Kicking It

Title: Snakeskin
Author: Rob Thurman
Series: Trickster #0.5
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Tricksters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Billionaires are a special breed, and an old horny billionaire is going to want a young thing with tits done by Dr. Double D and the only lines on her skin the ones shown by her Brazilian wax.

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

Synopsis

Trixa agrees to help a woman deal with her very rich husband. But, when she is double crossed, things take an interesting turn.

Thoughts

I love stories about Tricksters – they are completely amoral, always entertaining and beautifully symbolic of the balance between good and evil. Plus, where they travel, chaos follows. Which is always entertaining, and provides great conflict in and of itself. The introduction to Thurman’s Trickster series is no different.

Trixa is the very embodiment of chaos – she is neither good nor evil and, while straddling both realities, she is able to help keep the balance. The playful light and twisted humour within which she tells the story drew me in from the first point, and I was never quite sure what game she was playing. Until the very end that is. The tone of the piece perfectly reflects the chaotic and perverse way in which Trixa deals with the world and those around her.

<- More Rob ThurmanTrick of the Light ->

Image source: Penguin

The Arcane Art of Misdirection by Carrie Vaughn

Book Review, , ,

Overview

hex-appealTitle: The Arcane Art of Misdirection
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Series: Kitty Norville #4.6
In: Hex Appeal (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Which opened into a hallway, just like the one she’d left.

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

Synopsis

Welcome to the world of Kitty Norville. Where nothing is as it seems, including the world of casinos and gambling.

Thoughts

Casinos are a great location for mystery and subterfuge – they’re all about tricking the senses and convincing people to stay and act against their will. The idea of a sorcerer using this against the system to meet their own ends worked really beautifully, as did the description of such a location as a maze to trap people into spending their money. After all, they’re designed to contain everything and anything that we could want so that we don’t want to leave. Contrasting this view of those who want to win with a woman who works for the system and finds it rather tedious and boring was a great approach in this short story.

There are few people who are able to see through their preconceived conceptions to the inner truth, and it was enjoyable reading about somebody who is so inclined. Very few people would be able to see past this, and more difficult yet, accept this altered reality. There is a reason that everything is coloured by our preconceptions and this short story was a great way in which to question what happens when such preconceived ideas are altered. The conclusion of this story really highlights this complete change in Julie’s outlook on life and the potential new futures which she faces.

 <- Cherry Kisses Review Hex Appeal Review ->
Image source: Succubus

Crown of Rowan by Kim Wilkins

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Crown of RowanTitle: Crown of Rowan
Author: Kim Wilkins
Series: Blood and Gold #0.5
In: Legends of Australian Fantasy (Jack Dann & Jonathan Strahan)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Quietly, careful not to wake my sister, I return to the window.

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

Synopsis

There are seven kings in Thrysland. My father is one of them, and my husband is another. In my belly, perhaps, I carry a third.

Rose is the beautiful unhappily married daughter of a king and she has a secret to keep, not just from her husband but from her sisters, fierce warrior Bluebell, and Ash, a seer in possession of great but unknown powers. But larger events are afoot in Thrysland. The country is plunged into war with merciless raiders; religious zealots are at work on Rose’s husband, King Wengest, and more than that, there is a dark and deep magic at work throughout the land that threatens them all…

Thoughts

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this novella since I first read it! I love the idea of four sisters set in pre-Christian Europe, and the very different roles that they all play in their lives and the safety of the kingdom. Rose (the main sister in this story) is so clear and striking in my mind’s eye, and I find myself returning to her story again and again. She is the epitome of what many women must have experienced in that era – married to a man she doesn’t love, whilst yearning for the one that she does.

Although this story is about Rose and her hidden love, and is based on pre-Christian Europe, I love the fantastical elements within it. The sendings and the secrets that are obviously hidden with each of these characters sent goosebumps up my spine. Especially, reading this late at night, by a small light, the world seemed so real and vivid. It’s always a good story (whether it is short or long) when it not only stays in your mind, but also features heavily in your dreams. I can’t wait to read (but, firstly buy) the first novel in this series, Daughters of the Storm!

 <- The Dark Road Review The Spark Review ->
Image source: Harlequin Books