Title: The Quiet Knight 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, Urban fantasy Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Hot Key Books Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: ‘You will never even talk to them again, understand?’
Sometimes when you try to play being a hero, you become one in real life.
Coming of age stories always have a great place in literature – after all, we all come of age. And even long after that threshold from childhood to adulthood has been crossed, there is still so much relevance in a story about finding who you are. The Quiet Knight is one such story.
The world of role play and the Quiet Knight’s secret desire to find his own self in the real world are a great vessel through which he is able to find who he is going to be. Role playing and imagination are great ways to find out what we want out of life, or even how we understand what is happening in our lives (believe me, I write for this exact purpose). Yet, it is the final decision to enact the heroism that the Quiet Knight encompasses that is truly the moment when he comes of age.
Title: Old Friends 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: Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Hot Key Books Year: 2015 5th sentence, 74th page: They always knew beforehand, the carriers of water and hewers of wood.
Good friends are important to everyone, but sometimes you mostly just need the help of old friends.
There’s nothing like old friends.
I loved the reminder that no matter how far you travel, or where you go in life – old friends will always be there for you. When they can. Nix’s fantasy spin on this message was just perfect. It is incredibly difficult to describe just how fantastic this short story was. I loved the message of friendship and the main character’s desperation to reconnect with people from his past. And the eventual way in which they were reunited made it easy to realise that just how important and integral friends are to our existence.
Yet, all is not as it seems – there is a great and unpredictable twist to the end of the story and although it is kind of perfect, it certainly wasn’t what I expected.
Title: Emma Author: Jane Austen Series: World Cloud Classics Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Classics, Feminism, Romance Pace: Slow in part I, but picks up in part II Format: Novel Publisher: Vintage Classics Year: 1815 5th sentence, 74th page: She must abide by the evil of having refused him, whatever it may be and as to the refusal itself, I will not pretend to say that I might not influence her a little; but I assure you there was very little for me or for anybody to do.
Emma is young, rich and independent. She has decided not to get married and instead spends her time organising her acquaintances’ love affairs. Her plans for the matrimonial success of her new friend Harriet, however, lead her into complications that ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.
I can remember reading Emma for my major assignment in Year 12 English Studies. And I’m sure that I wrote many fancy things about the techniques, and the hidden meanings to the story. And just a whole hoop-la of technical jargon that showed what a great piece of writing Emma is. But, honestly, that doesn’t actually tell you if it’s a good story to read or not. After all, something can be technically brilliant, but completely boring (and tedious) to read. But, I digress, rereading this story not only left me thinking about and reminiscing on the joys of English Studies and the hours spent comparing and contrasting very random texts, but it also reminded me of just how much I love the word of Jane Austen.
We are all victims of our own presumptions, and quite often pride, in one way or another. Emma’s journey of blunders and mistakes is on the one hand incredibly entertaining, but on the other, it is startlingly familiar. There are moments in all of our lives that we look back on with regret, and not a small amount of shame – and Emma’s tale just heightens this sense. She is constantly making presumptions and acting under her own volition, without thinking about her own fallibility, or the genuine needs of others. Yet, luckily, as with all good stories, the happy ending of the story leads to the incredibly naïve heroine to recognise her flaws, realise her blunders and find a way to move forward in life as a new, complete woman.
Although I love Emma madly, I do find the story to be a little heavy as far as dialogue is concerned. Especially in those moments when Miss Bates is running off on one of her fancies. Although I’m sure that this was purposeful on the behalf of Austen, it does make the first two volumes of this novel a little more tedious and difficult to stick with. However, as the story progresses, it is easy enough to understand what is happening when the many principal characters decide to have long, and rambling conversations.
Although this story was written in the 1800s, and the idea of marriage for a woman and class systems were very intense, I still find this to be a story about a strong woman and her independence. Emma is determined not to marry, and when she does eventually find someone to whom she can see herself spending her life, it is still done to her terms. Emma’s strength of character and the ability to find a man who loves her all for herself is a really enjoyable read, and a reminder that although there has been over 200 years since this book was published, some of the themes and messages are still relevant today.
It has been brought to our attention that you seem to be completely lost. If you wish to come to know what it is that constantly eludes you in life… I am your transport to seek within.
Kyle is a young man with no future, and no past. Orphaned from a young age, he uses tough upbringing as an excuse for his lack of direction in life. But a mysterious parcel is about to change his view of himself, his parents, and the world in which he lives.
An old leather bound book, intricately embossed with creatures and strange beings, is left on Kyle’s doorstep with no card or note attached. The book issues Kyle a personal challenge – to finish reading the book and face the innermost truth about himself, or forfeit any chance of finding his true destiny.
If the book was left on your doorstep and you had nothing to lose, could you resist reading on?
I often find it difficult to find a good, solid story that has an Indigenous Australian lead. In fact, Book of Dreams has so far been the only such story. I’m constantly searching for new ones, and the fact that Harding was able to write a tale that paints a minority group in a good light and highlights some of their daily difficulties was amazing. Yet, although the Indigenous aspect of this writing is phenomenal, it is also the spiritual knowledge that is imparted throughout that has made me fall in love with this novel again and again and again.
Harding writes some very subtle, yet insightful tales of our own power to govern change in our lives. The overarching tale within Book of Dreams is about taking your past, present and future and gaining control over it. Although Kyle is dealt an incredibly crappy hand in life, he is able to (eventually) understand that these experiences cannot be a basis on which to build a horrible existence. Bitterness and anger at the past is not a way to continue to live, and it isn’t until he accepts the past for what it is and begins the process of healing that he is able to find a new life, love and reason for being.
I’ve studied Native Title in Australia through a few of my University courses, and it is always a fascinating area and discussion. Harding’s grasp of this legislation is great, and her bibliography at the end of the story attests to the fact that she has done her research in regards to this sensitive topic. Yet, it is the fact that she is able to find a way in her happy ending to re-grant rights to traditional lands when native title has been extinguished that is most enjoyable. After all, who doesn’t love a happy ending?
Bone spends a day free in the streets of Tortall. Causing mischief and mayhem everywhere he goes.
Bonedancer has been an incredibly cheeky enigma of a character since his conception in The Emperor Mage. So, as with all series, it was incredibly fun to read a short story that featured this slightly obscure creature. That it is also pared with the reproductive cycle of Spidrens, and an eventful day out that involved pursuit, rogue mages and theft just helped to make this short story all the more enjoyable.
Whilst this story is all about Bone’s day out and about without the supervision of Lindhall, it was nice to also have him appear within the story. Even Bones realises that he is in over his head, and the appearance of his friend in the midst of battle is a welcome respite for this character. I loved that this short story combined so many favourable traits and characters from the rest of the Tortall series. The unique way in which the Spidren life cycle is explained just makes this short story even better.
Kel is finally a knight. The first girl to make it in decades. She’s dealt with the hazing and prejudice of her year-mates, and the terrifying Ordeal. Now she faces the real thing: Tortall is at war.
The Scanran raiders have united to form an army and they’re invading. Refugees are flooding away from the northern border, destitute and terrified, with stories of the fearsome metal creatures that the invaders have brought with them. Kel is posted to the border refugee camp, where the Scanrans and their monstrous weapons will be waiting for her…
Lady Knight is a fantastic conclusion to Protector of the Small quartet. All of Kel’s hard work has finally led to becoming the first recognised Lady Knight in a hundred years (that is, after Alanna’s secret journey to this position). And, although it means travelling to the war-torn border, Kel is finally on her journey to complete the quest outlined to her by the Chamber of Ordeal. The hand of fate is on this story, and although it twists and turns in so many ways, it is a journey that is almost impossible to put down.
Throughout the Protector of the Small quartet Kel constantly chooses to stand up for her friends and family. Those she considers under her protection, regardless of their standing in life. She carries this to a whole new level when she is entrusted with the care and protection of the Scanran and Tortallan refugees. Her constant need to protect and care for others is such an admirable trait, and I love that although she is the knight to follow in Alanna’s footsteps, she does it in an entirely different way. Where Alanna is a solitary hero, Kel is a natural born commander, someone who is able to naturally lead and care for those under her. Even in today’s society, this is so immensely rare that I could count on one hand the amount of true leaders that I have come across in my lifetime.
Not only is Lady Knight about Kel’s first year as a knight and her incredible protective instincts, it is also about the loyalty and comradery that her friends feel for her. They are willing to sacrifice their livelihoods and their futures to join her on some incredibly hair-brained adventures. Although they may not believe in her cause, they are willing to believe in, and follow their friend. A testament to the degree of friendship which these characters have constantly shown each other throughout this wonderful series.
Title: Squire Author: Tamora Pierce Series: The Protector of the Small #3, Tortall #20 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Scholastic Year: 2001 5th sentence, 74th page: The morning she had climbed down the frail, rusted outer stair of Balor’s Needle had marked the end of her fear of height, though she still disliked them.
Keladry has finished her page training. She’s passed the exams and now she’s a fully fledged squire. Which is great – except that she needs a knight to take her on…
And her luck is in. After weeks of waiting, a knight-master has come forward. A true warrior to follow, if she can cope with the gruelling life on campaign. Bandits and renegade centaurs are just what she’s trained for – it couldn’t be better. But eventually Kel will have to return and face the Chamber of the Ordeal, the final test of a squire. One boy has already died in the chamber this year…
Kel’s years as a squire help to build upon all of her many adventures in First Test and Page. Although her one epic battle (which every main character really requires) doesn’t get revealed until the very end of this novel, the entire journey to this point is full of twists and turns. Her position as the King’s Own Squire and new friendships help to weave a new tale of a life full of learning, hard work and joy.
Although Joren still makes numerous appearances throughout the tale, and his true motivations remain hidden (at least until about halfway through the novel), it quickly becomes evident that he isn’t the arch nemesis of the series. Instead, it is the brewing war with Scanra that takes centre-stage. That’s not to say that Kel doesn’t continue to experience the prejudice and judgement which comes with being a woman pursuing a career that is generally considered a “man’s job”. But, it is something, that has become a background in the storyline. After all, a quartet can’t continuously hash over the same issues – eventually they will settle down in real life, and the same can be said for this storyline.
Kel also begins her first romance throughout this story. And, as is politely pointed out to her, there will be judgement. Where men are able to publicly pursue their relations, she is again forced to toe the line. It is this constant reminder of the double standards that we as women face that makes this story (and indeed, series) so poignant. These double standards are faced in our everyday lives and I love the way in which Kel is able to stoically accept this, work around it, and move on with her life. There is never any fuss, just a simple acceptance.
Even after a year, some of the pages still don’t think a girl should be training as a knight. For a time it seems they will try anything – insult, trick, brawl – to get Keladry thrown out.
But then the bullying stops and Kel hopes she can concentrate on honing her warrior-skills. Test-day will be the most important in her life. And it’s the perfect moment for those who loathe her to strike…
I remember how difficult it was to go through puberty, as would almost everyone out there who is reading this. Now, imagine what that would be like as a young girl, surrounded by a bunch of lads who want to whack you with sticks day in and day out.
Alright, that’s not just what Page was about, but it definitely took a lot of my attention. The idea of a woman in a man’s world, fighting for her own place isn’t a new story, and it will be one that never truly get old. But, what happens when you’re going through experiences that your comrades can’t ever possibly understand? How is a girl who is already having to fight for everything millimetre of respect that she gets supposed to then cope with the added complication of boobs, monthlies and all of the inconvenient emotions that come along with this? Where First Test highlighted the inequality between the treatment of men and women, Page is a great reminder of what it’s like to come of age.
I loved the easy, open pace of Page. Encompassing Kel’s final three years as a page, the time ebbs and flows as it does in real life. There are moments of high energy, passion and drama which quickly give way to times of peace and prosperity. Although overhanging all of this is Kel’s last tests as a Page, and Joren’s continuing disapproval of her station in life, the daily grind can be felt throughout this story. And it is this that makes Kel so damn relatable – not every moment is a stunning coincidence leading to a dramatic ending, there are moments of joy and frivolity throughout the story that are there purely for that – a reminder that not all in life needs to be serious.
It’s ten years since royal decree permitted girls to train as knights. No one applied – until now. Keladry of Mindelan is determined to follow in the footsteps of the nation’s greatest legend: Alanna, the Lioness of Tortall. She’s in for a nasty surprise.
The royal training master, Lord Wyldon of Cavall, thinks girls should stick to embroidery. If Keladry doesn’t meet his exacting standards, she’s out.
It seems so unfair. Keladry knows she’s equal to any of the boys, but how can she hope to succeed when Lord Wyldon’s mind is already made up?
There is an inequality in the way men and women are treated in modern society. Although this has become slowly reduced over the past century, the inequality is evident in our everyday lives. First Test is a great reminder of this. As the first girl willing to take up the mantel of knight (something which is regaled to a man’s role in popular history), Keladry is forced to overcome obstacle after obstacle. Hurdles which none of her male counterparts are required to conquest.
The idea that a young girl, who must work harder to be as physically adept as the other young men her age, must also work harder to become accepted is difficult and incredibly frustrating to read about. She is up an hour before the men, and goes to bed an hour after. There is a never ending march of tasks and challenges which she is forced to meet flawlessly – the threat of dismissal a constant cloud to the probationary page. Yet, in spite of this, she is able to thrive in her new reality and find a home for herself at the palace.
First Test is a great beginning to the Protector of the Small quartet – it is the first year of an incredibly challenging career choice. The realm of knights, mages and mystical creatures combines to create a fantastic journey that will make you laugh and grind your teeth in frustration.
Title: The Royal Ranger Author: John Flanagan Series: TheRanger’s Apprentice #12 Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!) My Bookshelves:Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy Pace: Medium Format: Short Story Publisher: Random House Australia Year: 2013 5th sentence, 74th page: The fireplace was full of dead ashes and needed a good clean-out.
After a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible – even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path.
It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone – and it’s a request Will cannot refuse.
Training a rebellious, unwilling apprentice is hard enough. But when a routine mission uncovers a shocking web of crime, Will must decide where his priorities lie – finishing his quest for revenge, or saving innocent lives?
The final book of the Ranger’s Apprentice series raises the stakes higher than ever. Is Will on his last mission for the Ranger Corps?
I’m still not entirely sure about my thoughts on this addition to TheRanger’s Apprentice series. on the one hand, it is really enjoyable to see what has happened to the characters almost fifteen years after the last book. But, on the other hand, the bitter creature that Will has become is really disconcerting. Plus, killing off one of my favourite characters in a series always makes me unsure about how far I want to progress into the book. It’s definitely worth it, but it is incredibly difficult to throw yourself into The Royal Ranger compared with the rest of the books in this series.
Evanlyn and Horace’s daughter is everything that you would expect her to be – pig-headed, stubborn, rebellious and with a mind of her own. However, the sheltered upbringing which she has had has also created a horribly conceited creature – one with all of the pride of her station, yet none of the responsibility. The contrast between the impetuous teenager and the rest of the young cast throughout the series is incredibly strong, and serves as a great reminder that at some point children need to grow up and move on with their own lives.
The Royal Ranger is a great reminder that we shouldn’t wallow in bitterness, and we shouldn’t be too proud to take another’s advice on. The ways in which Maddie and Will are able to work together and help each other get over the past is a great segue way into a new dawn for TheRanger’s Apprentice series.
Title: The Quiet Knight
Title: Book of Dreams
Title: Bone’s Day Out
Title: Lady Knight
Title: Squire
Title: Page
Title: First Test
Title: The Royal Ranger
Earth and Skye 